Enhanced MSC preparations

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides preparations of MSCs with important therapeutic potential. The MSC cells are non-primary cells with an antigen profile comprising less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells (or less than about 0.75% CD45+), at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells. Optionally, MSCs of the present preparations are isogenic and can be expanded ex vivo and cryopreserved and thawed, yet maintain a stable and uniform phenotype. Methods are taught here of expanding these MSCs to produce a clinical scale therapeutic preparations and medical uses thereof.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/267,363, filed Oct. 6, 2011 and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/391,452 entitled “Enhanced MSC Preparations,” filed on Oct. 8, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/391,482, entitled “Nanoparticle-Loaded Cells,” filed on Oct. 8, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

This application incorporates by reference, the International PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/055072 entitled “Enhanced MSC Preparations, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to therapeutically effective preparations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), methods for manufacturing such preparations, methods of screening and selecting such preparations, and therapeutic uses thereof.

BACKGROUND

One of the major problems in stem cell therapy is the lack of understanding of the therapeutic properties of stem cells, and how these therapeutic properties are influenced by manufacturing methods.

Stem cells are populations of cells found in embryos, fetuses, and adult tissues that are capable of self-renewal in undifferentiated forms and regain the capability of toti-, pluri- or multi-potential differentiation in conditioned environments.

Use of the term “stem” cell has generally been reserved for those cells possessing the ability to self-replicate and give rise to daughter cells which undergo a unidirectional, terminal differentiation process. Three adult tissues in which stem cells have been extensively studied include the epidermis, gastrointestinal epithelium, and the hematopoietic compartment of bone marrow. Of these, hematopoietic stem cells are perhaps the best characterized, and are noted for their ability to give rise to multiple cellular phenotypes through lineage progression of daughter progenitor cells.

The bone marrow stroma was originally thought to function mainly as a structural framework for the hematopoietic component of the marrow. Subsequently, it has become well established that the stroma consists of a heterogeneous population of cells, a subset of which exerts both positive and negative regulatory effects on the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the marrow through a combination of physical and chemical signals. The stroma also contains other non-hematopoietic cells termed mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, myoblasts and chondroblasts. The number of HSCs in bone marrow is about 10-100 times greater than that of MSCs. MSCs also give rise to a variety of mature cell types via a step-wise maturation process similar to hematopoiesis, termed mesengenesis. Functions that have been attributed to MSCs include, for example, the daily control of inflammation, immune response, hematopoiesis and organ integrity.

Despite the features ascribed to MSC populations by their in vitro differentiation capabilities, the mechanisms governing their proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation capacity have been poorly understood. At the clonal level, there is little evidence for MSC self-renewal, therefore these cells might be termed multipotent progenitor cells. One of the greatest obstacles in the study of MSC biology is the heterogeneity of studied cell populations (Baksh et al. (2004) J Cell Mol Med 8, 301-16). For example, Pittenger et al. ((1999) Science 284, 143-7) found that the majority of human bone marrow derived MSCs are not pluripotent, while Kusnestov et al., ((1997) J Bone Miner Res 12, 1335-47) showed that only 58.8% of human MSCs had in vivo osteogenic potential. Others have shown that within the adipose derived populations of MSCs, cells with multi-lineage differentiation capability co-exist with single lineage committed cells (Zuk et al. (2002) Mol Biol Cell 13, 4279-95). Others have reported pluripotent progenitor cells (Jiang et al. (2002) Nature 418, 41-9).

Ex vivo preparations of bone marrow aspirates can show a great diversity of cell types. Even when such preparations are enriched for MSCs (e.g. by adherence), there is a remarkable diversity and heterogeneity. Methods exist in the art to enrich and expand such MSC's in culture, nonetheless, heterogeneity is observed at biochemical, genetic, and phenotypic levels.

Even so-called “pure MSC” preparations demonstrate heterogeneity with variation of therapeutic effect, potency, differentiation capacity, mitotic activity, and so forth. For example, MSCs are known to undergo phenotypic rearrangements during ex vivo manipulations, losing expression of some markers while acquiring new ones (Augello et al. “The Regulation of Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells” HUMAN GENE THERAPY 21:1226-1238 (October 2010)). Depending on culture conditions, various MSC subsets are preferentially expanded in culture, differing, for example, in expression of surface markers and other proteins, differentiation capacity, proliferation, and morphology (Baksh et al. “Adult mesenchymal stem cells: characterization, differentiation, and application in cell and gene therapy,” J. Cell. Mol. Med. Vol 8, No 3, 2004 pp. 301-316; Bobis et al. “Mesenchymal stem cells: characteristics and clinical applications,” FOLIA HISTOCHEMICA ET CYTOBIOLOGICA. Vol. 44, No. 4, 2006; pp. 215-230). Donor variability and donor tissue site also contribute to differences between preparation of cells (Zhukareva et al. “Secretion profile of human bone marrow stromal cells: donor variability and response to inflammatory stimuli,” Cytokine, 2010, Volume: 50, Issue: 3, Pages: 317-321; US 2009/0010896).

Thus, it is clear that various observations attributed to “MSCs” by various laboratories are very likely describing different subsets of MSC populations, even when populations share certain functional properties typical of MSCs in general such as proliferative or differentiation capacity. For example, Xiao et al. describe a culture of bone marrow derived MSCs that has undergone 20 population doublings, exhibiting an antigen profile of less than 90% CD105+ cells and less than 85% CD166+ cells (Xiao et al. “Clonal Characterization of Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells and Their Application for Bone Regeneration” Int J Oral Sci, 2(3): 127-135, 2010).

Changes of MSC cultures with passage (i.e. ex vivo expansion) are also well recognized. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,359, Caplan describes that in his MSC preparations, early passaged cells (1st-2nd passages) gave more bone formation than late passaged cells (4th-6th passages).

This heterogeneity can be explained, in part, by the hypothesis that MSCs, with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple lineages, are only a small sub-population of the pool of MSCs and the remainder of the mixed population consists of cells at various stages of differentiation and commitment. Adding to the complexity of heterogeneity within a single MSC population is the variety of tissues from which MSC have been harvested and the variety of techniques that have been utilized in their isolation and propagation (Gronthos et al. (2001) J Cell Physiol 189, 54-63; Peister et al. (2004) Blood 103, 1662-8). Given these variabilities, populations and sub-populations of so-called MSCs have not yet been systematically compared.

WO 2007/123363 (Choung et al.) describes an MSC preparation that appears to be enriched for CD105+ cells and CD45− cells. However, Choung et al. does not teach an MSC preparation that is pure for CD166+ cells, CD105+ cells, and CD45− cells and does not teach a clinical scale MSC preparation containing a billion MSCs. Further, Choung et al. does not provide teachings of other technical features such as TNFRI expression, immunosuppression by inhibition of IL-2Rα expression, resilience to cryopreservation, a capacity for adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation after passage expansion.

US 2009/0010896 (Centeno et al.) describes a preparation of primary MSCs that are enriched for CD166+ cells, CD105+ cells, and CD45− cells. However, such a primary culture does not provide clinical scale MSC numbers in the billions. Further, like Choung et al., Centeno et al. lacks teaching of other technical features useful for therapeutic treatment.

Choung et al. and Centeno et al. illustrate a problem facing the skilled artisan. The art is replete with reports of poorly characterized preparations based on a mixed variety of cellular phenotypes derived from a mixed variety of manufacturing techniques. While there is a tendency among some to combine teachings from such reports, such combinations can lead to false conclusions when the reports represent different MSC populations. To advance the understanding of MSC biology and therapy, it will be important to fully characterize the phenotype of MSCs in a preparation and to recognize heterogeneity where it exists.

What is needed in the art is the ability to manufacture uniform preparations of MSCs in numbers sufficient for one or more therapeutically-effective dose, having a reproducible therapeutic action, and having a phenotype that is stable during ex vivo expansion and following cryogenic preservation. Also needed are such preparations that are isogenic, minimizing certain adverse effects associated with allogeneic transplantation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preparations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have now been discovered with enhanced therapeutic potential and with a structural and functional phenotype that is stable in culture. Surprisingly, MSCs in these preparations can be expanded to provide a therapeutic dose; even clinical scale preparations can now be made.

MSCs of the present preparations can be expanded ex vivo and cryopreserved and thawed, yet maintaining a stable and uniform phenotype.

The MSCs of the present invention are non-primary MSCs, having an antigen profile comprising less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells (or less than about 0.75% CD45+), at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells.

MSCs of the present preparation have a phenotype characterized by one or more of the following properties: TNFR1 expression, inhibition of IL2Rα (e.g. in a PBMC assay), greater than 70% viability after freeze-thaw, ability to maintain phenotype following ex vivo expansion, capacity for differentiation, and isogenic (i.e., derived from a single donor).

In one embodiment, the MSC preparation has a combination of unexpected technical features, namely: a) it comprises at least about 1 billion (1×10⁹) cells; b) it has an antigen profile comprising less than about 0.75% CD45+ cells, at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells; c) it comprises TNFRI in an amount of at least about 13 pg (e.g. about 13 pg to about 44 pg) of TNFRI per million cells; d) the MSCs have a capacity for adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation; e) the MSCs are resilient to cryopreservation, i.e. after a freeze-thaw cycle, at least about 70% of the MCSs are viable, as assessed by dye exclusion; f) when mixed with PBMCs at a ratio of about 5 PBMCs per MSC, the MSCs are capable of inhibiting IL2Rα expression by CD3/CD28-activated PBMCs cells by at least about 30%, relative to a control; g) it generally contains less than about 55 μg/mL BSA and less than about 42 μg/mL trypsin; h) it is substantially free of pathogens (e.g. endotoxin, bacteria, fungi, and viruses); and i) the MSCs have a normal karyotype. Surprisingly such an MSC preparation can comprise a cell number of at least about any of: 10 billion, 100 billion, 500 billion, or 1 trillion cells, even when expanded from a single bone marrow donation.

Preparations of the above embodiment can be obtained by screening preparations made by various culture techniques known in the art or made by screening preparations made by methods including one or more of the steps of ex vivo expansion taught herein. Surprisingly, however, the inventors have discovered a novel method that involves a series of steps that result in consistent MSC preparations of the present invention, as detailed herein, for example in Example 1 through Example 41. Accordingly, the invention also provides a collection of preparations with low variability between preparations.

The invention also provides a method of preparing, screening, or selecting preparations.

The invention also provides a method of treatment comprising administering MSCs from a preparation to a subject in need thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used here, the following definitions and abbreviations apply.

“BMA” means bone marrow aspirate.

“Clinical scale” as it refers to a present MSC preparation, means a preparation that contains more than one therapeutic dose. Optionally, a clinical scale preparation is derived from a single donor. For example, a clinical scale preparation of the present invention can comprise 8,000±10% or ±20% doses of 125 million MSCs (or 100 million viable MSCs after a freeze-thaw cycle). Optionally, a clinical scale preparation of the present invention can comprise 10,000±10% or ±20% doses of 125 million MSCs (or 100 million viable MSCs after a freeze-thaw cycle).

“Freeze-thaw cycle” or “cryoprotective freeze-thaw cycle” means cryogenic freezing followed by thawing and in vitro culturing under conditions to preserve viability, especially as taught here according to the present invention.

“Therapeutic dose” is an amount of MSCs that, when administered to a subject in need thereof in a single administration (or optionally in fractional amounts within a given period), can result in a clinically relevant response. A clinically relevant response is any direct or indirect indicator of a positive therapeutic response (irrespective of the eventual outcome). Methods of determining therapeutic response are well known in the art. By way of example, a therapeutic dose is about 100 million MSCs or about 125 million MSCs. Other useful therapeutic doses include about 2 million MSCs per kg, about 8 million MSCs per kg, and about 2-8 million MSCs per kg, for example, as detailed in Example 42 through Example 45.

“Examplary” (or “e.g.,” or “by example”) means a non-limiting example.

“Isogenic” means that cells of a given population are autologous to each other, i.e., derived from the same donor. The term isogenic is intended to include, for example, natural variation in genetic makeup of cells derived from the same donor.

“n±x %” means a range extending from [n−(x %*n)] to [n+(x %*n)]. Such a phrase is not intended to set forth error or precision in measurement.

“P_(n)”, where “n” is an integer, refers to the number of cells that a culture has been passage. P1 is the first passage after cells are plated from the bone marrow aspirate (primary culture).

The present invention provides a preparation comprising a uniform population of MSC cells in sufficient numbers to have a clinically significant effect and being greatly enriched for a subset of MSCs with a remarkable therapeutic potential. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that such a preparation can be further expanded ex vivo to produce multiple therapeutic doses, even from a single donor.

Overview of MSC Preparations.

An MSC preparation according to the present invention is an MSC preparation that is 95% homogeneous with respect to being CD105 positive and CD166 positive and being CD45 negative. This homogeneity persists through ex vivo expansion; i.e. though multiple population doublings. An example of a useful embodiment is a preparation where the MSCs comprise less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells, and contains at least one therapeutic dose. This homogeneity persists after cryogenic storage and thawing, where the cell also generally have a viability of about 70% or more.

MSC preparations of the instant invention express substantial levels of TNFR1, for example greater than 13 pg of TNFRI per million MSCs. This phenotype is stable throughout ex vivo expansion and cryogenic storage. Indeed, the expression of levels of TNFRI in the range of about 13 to about 179 pg (e.g. about 13 pg to about 44 pg) per million MSCs is associated with a desirous therapeutic potential which also persists through ex vivo expansion and cryopreservation.

Another feature of cells according to the present invention in high potency, as defined by the ability of the cells to inhibit IL-2Rα expression on T-cells. Typically, preparations according to the present invention can inhibit IL-2Rα expression by at least about 30%, alternatively at least about 35%, alternatively at least about 40%, alternatively at least about 45%, alternatively at least about 50%, alternatively at least about 55%, alternatively at least about 60.

Optionally, the preparations of MSCs of the present invention contain at least one therapeutic dose (e.g., at least about 100 million cells or about 125 million cells).

Unexpectedly, one embodiment of the present invention provides a clinical scale preparation providing multiple therapeutic doses (e.g., expanded from a single donor).

Optionally, the preparations of the present invention, including, for example, a clinical scale preparation, can be produced that have one or more additional unexpected profiles that especially suit the preparation for clinical use. For example, the preparations of the present invention may have a profile based on potency (e.g., TNFRI activity), resilience to cryopreservation (e.g., viability after a freeze thaw cycle), differentiation capacity (i.e., the ability to differentiate into cell types), retention of differentiation capacity, unexpected therapeutic utility as taught herein, or any combination of the aforementioned properties.

Optionally, the preparations of the present invention comprise at least 100 million cells, have an antigen profile of less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells and the cells can be expanded ex vivo from passage 2 until passage 5 while maintaining population uniformity based upon the antigen profile (i.e. less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells).

An MSC preparation can be in any form. In one embodiment, a preparation is provided in a single volume or aliquot (e.g., in a single container comprising the entire preparation). In another embodiment, a preparation is provided as a non-continuous preparation (e.g., the preparation is provided as a plurality of spatially separate compositions). Optionally, a non-continuous preparation is provided in a plurality of vessels, wherein each of the plurality of vessels contains a portion of the preparation. Optionally, the vessels are bags, or other useful storage containers. Optionally, the vessels are other therapeutic dosage form. Optionally, the vessels are culture vessels. Optionally, a continuous or non-continuous preparation is present in a facility, such as an MSC manufacturing facility.

Optionally, the MSCs in the preparation are isogenic (e.g., derived from the same donor).

Optionally, the majority of MSCs in the preparation have about the same ex vivo age.

Optionally, the majority of MSCs in the preparation are of about the same generation number (i.e., they are within about 1 or about 2 or about 3 or about 4 cell doublings of each other). Optionally, the average number of cell doublings in the present preparations is about 20 to about 25 doublings. Optionally, the average number of cell doublings in the present preparations is about 9 to about 13 (e.g., about 11 or about 11.2) doublings arising from the primary culture, plus about 1, about 2, about 3, or about 4 doublings per passage (for example, about 2.5 doublings per passage) as seen in the MSC preparations set forth in Example 30 and Example 32. Examplary average cell doublings in present preparations are any of about 13.5, about 16, about 18.5, about 21, about 23.5, about 26, about 28.5, about 31, about 33.5, and about 36 when produced by about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, and about 10 passages, respectively.

Optionally, the majority of MSCs in the preparation have about the same passage number (e.g., they are within about 1 or about 2 or about 3 or about 4 passages numbers of each other). Examplary passage numbers in present preparations are any of about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 8, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 6, about 3 to about 7, about 3 to about 8, about 4 to about 7, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 9, or less than any of about 10, about 11, or about 12.

Preparation Profiles

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that MSCs can be cultured and expanded ex vivo to produce a preparation containing at least one therapeutic dose (or optionally, multiple therapeutic doses constituting a clinical scale preparation) with an antigen profile of less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). Additionally, the MSC preparations having such an antigen profile can be produced that also have one or more other unexpected profiles that especially suit the preparation for clinical use For example, the preparation may exhibit unexpected potency (e.g., TNFRI concentration or activity as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), resilience to cryopreservation (e.g., viability after a freeze thaw cycle as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), differentiation capacity or retention and differentiation (e.g., the ability to differentiate into cell types as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32).

In some embodiments of the present technology, the preparations of MSCs have an antigen profile of at least about 95% CD166+ cells, alternatively at least about 95.5% CD166+ cells, alternatively at least about 96%, alternatively at least about 96.5%, alternatively at least about 97%, alternatively at least about 97.5%, alternatively at least about 98%, alternatively at least about 98.5%, alternatively at least about 99%, alternatively at least about 99.5% of CD166+ cells, or any amounts in between, for example, in increments of about 0.01%, about 0.025%, about 0.05%, about 0.075% about 0.1%, etc. In some embodiments, the MSCs of the present technology further include an antigen profile of at least about 95% CD105+ cells, alternatively at least about 95.5%, alternatively at least about 96%, alternatively at least about 96.5%, alternatively at least about 97%, alternatively at least about 97.5%, alternatively at least about 98%, alternatively at least about 98.5%, alternatively at least about 99%, alternatively at least about 99.5% of CD105+ cells, or any amounts in between, for example, in increments of about 0.01%, about 0.025%, about 0.05%, about 0.075%, about 0.1%, etc. In some embodiments, the MSCs of the present technology have an antigen profile of less than about 1.75% CD45+ cells, alternatively less than about 1.7%, alternatively less than about 1.65%, alternatively less than about 1.6%, alternatively less than about 1.55%, alternatively less than about 1.5%, alternatively less than about 1.45%, alternatively less than about 1.4%, alternatively less than about 1.35%, alternatively less than about 1.3%, alternatively less than about 1.25%, alternatively less than about 1.2%, alternatively less than about 1.15%, alternatively less than about 1.1%, alternatively less than about 1.05%, alternatively less than about 1%, alternatively less than about 0.95%, alternatively less than about 0.9%. alternatively less than about 0.85%, alternatively less than about 0.8%, alternatively less than about 0.75%, alternatively less than about 0.7%, alternatively less than about 0.65%, alternatively less than about 0.6%, alternatively less than about 0.55%, alternatively less than about 0.5%, alternatively less than about 0.45%, alternatively less than about 0.4%, alternatively less than about 0.35%, alternatively less than about 0.3%, alternatively less than about 0.25%, alternatively less than about 0.2%, alternatively less than about 0.15%, alternatively less than about 0.1%, alternatively less than about 0.05%, alternatively less than about 0.04%, alternatively less than about 0.03%, alternatively less than about 0.01%, or any amounts in between, for example, in increments of about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.025%, about 0.05%, about 0.075%, about 0.1%, etc. In some embodiments, the antigen profile of the MSCs is about 95% or greater of CD166+ cells, about 95% or greater of CD105+ cells, and 1.75% or less of CD48+ cells, preferably about 97.5% or greater of CD166+ cells, about 98% or greater of CD105+ cells, and 1.48% or less of CD48+ cells. In one embodiment, the invention provides a preparation, therapeutic dose, or a clinical scale preparation having a quantity of MSCs and an antigen profile set forth in Example 30 or Example 32. The antigen profile is a useful indicator of phenotypic purity. Methods for determining an antigen profile are provided herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or a clinical scale preparation having a TNFRI profile of greater than about 13 pg per million MSCs, or optionally about 13 pg to about 179 pg per million MSCs (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32) such as about 13 pg to about 44 pg/million MSCs. Among other qualities, a TNFRI profile is a useful indicator of potency of the preparation (e.g., capacity for immunosuppression). The potency and activity in the TNFRI profiles of the present invention are based on the relative amount of TNFRI (pg per million MSCs) in the preparation (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). The activity of the preparation can be expressed as the percent IL-2Rα expression inhibition on mitogen-stimulated white blood cells (e.g., as set forth in Example 32). Methods for determining relative TNFRI amount or aggregate cellular preparation activity are provided herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or a clinical scale preparation having a favorable cryopreservation profile, i.e., favorable post-thaw viability. A cryopreservation profile of the present invention indicates the resilience of the cells to cryopreservation as the percentage of viable cells in the composition after a freeze thaw cycle. A cryopreservation profile indicates the percentage of cells that are viable after a freeze-thaw cycle compared to an unfrozen composition. Examplary post-thaw viabilities of present preparations are at least about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 82%, or about 85% viable cells (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). Methods for determining viability after a freeze thaw cycle are provided herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having a favorable differentiation profile (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). A differentiation profile of the present invention indicates the MSCs' capacity for each of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation at a given passage number or doubling number. Methods for determining differentiation capacity are described herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having a normal karyotype, i.e. a preparation having cells with no chromosomal abnormalities, for example, as described in Example 37. Chromosomal abnormalities that can be screened optionally include numerical and structural abnormalities, such as translocations, breaks, rings, markers and double-minutes.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation comprising MSCs with a spindle-shaped morphology or appearance (as opposed to star, flat, or round shape). Optionally, at least about any of: about 80%, about 90%, or about 95% or greater of the MSCs exhibit a spindle-shaped morphology.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation free of pathogen contaminants (e.g. fungi, viruses, mycobacteria, and other pathogenic bacteria), for example, as detailed in Example 38.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation free of abnormalities in telomerase activity. Methods of determining such are well known in the art.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation wherein the cells are non-senescent. Methods of determining senescence are well known in the art, for example as described by Wagner et al. (Wagner et al., “Replicative Senescence of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Continuous and Organized Process”, PLoS ONE. 2008; 3(5): e2213; Wagner et al. “How to track cellular aging of mesenchymal stromal cells?,” Aging (Albany N.Y.). 2010 April; 2(4): 224-230). Optionally, non-senescent MSCs do not have elevated levels of senescent markers such as micro-RNA markers or protein markers (e.g. expression is similar to P1 MSC cultures, or within about 10%, or about 25%, or about 50%). For example, hsa-mir-371, hsa-mir-369-5P, hsa-mir-29c, hsa-mir-499 and hsa-mir-217; GPNMB; RAMP; PERP; LY96; STAT1; and PRNP have all been shown to be up-regulated in senescent MSCs (Wagner et al.). Optionally, non-senescent cells exhibit typical morphology of non-senescent cells. For example, it has been shown that senescent MSCs enlarge and generate more vacuoles and cellular debris compared to non-senescent cells (Wagner et al.). Optionally, the cells remain non-senescent for at least 1, 2, or 3 additional population doublings.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile, TNFRI profile, cryopreservation profile, and differentiation profile, as described above.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile, TNFRI profile, karyotype, and differentiation profile, as described above. Optionally, the therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation further comprises a cryopreservation profile, as described above.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a pathogen-free therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile, TNFRI profile, and differentiation profile, as described above. Optionally, the therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation further comprises a cryopreservation profile, as described above. Optionally, the therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation further comprises a normal karyotype, as described above.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile, TNFRI profile, telomerase activity, and differentiation profile, as described above. Optionally, the therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation further comprises a cryopreservation profile, as described above.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile, TNFRI profile, morphology, and differentiation profile, as described above. Optionally, the therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation further comprises a cryopreservation profile, as described above.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile, TNFRI profile, non-senescent state, and differentiation profile, as described above. Optionally, the therapeutic dose or clinical scale preparation further comprises a cryopreservation profile, as described above.

Clinical Scale Preparations

Surprisingly, a population of MSCs, e.g., derived from only a single donor, can expanded to a clinical scale preparation having an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., as detailed forth in Example 30 or Example 32).

A clinical scale preparation of the present invention provides several superior advantages. The availability of multiple, nearly identical therapeutic doses (i.e., within the variance taught here) allows more predictable clinical responses. Subjects that respond to a therapeutic dose can be subsequently treated with reduced risk of toxicity. As information is obtained for various conditions, dosing (frequency and amounts) can be adjusted to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the therapeutically effective amount of cells is highly dependent on the nature of the preparation itself, for example, the phenotypic purity, potency, resilience to cryopreservation, and/or differentiation capacity of cells in the preparation. Unless indicated otherwise, a therapeutically effective dose of MSC preparations of the present invention is about 100 million cells or about 125 million cells. While the skilled artisan can readily determine the number of the present MSCs required for a therapeutic dose, in general (depending upon the therapeutic need), such a number can be any of about 50 million, about 100 million, about 250 million, or about 500 million, or about 1×10⁶ cells for example. Other useful therapeutic doses include about 2 million MSCs per kg, about 8 million MSCs per kg, and about 2 to about 8 million MSCs per kg, for example, as detailed in Example 42 through Example 45.

Surprisingly, an MSC population derived from only a single donor can be expanded to produce a clinical scale MSC preparation containing about at least any of: about 2; about 8; about 11; about 36; about 50; about 150; about 220; about 690; about 960; about 1,000; about 2,000; about 3,000; about 4,200; about 5,000; about 6,000; about 7,000; or about 8,000 therapeutic doses, wherein the preparation has the antigen profile described above (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 and Example 32).

By way of example, one embodiment of the present invention provides an MSC preparation of about 1×10¹² or about 1×10¹²±about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, or about 40% MSCs, with the antigen profile described above. Such an MSC preparation is capable of providing, for example, about 8,000±about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, or about 40% doses to a patient before or after a freeze-thaw cycle (e.g., a patient with an immune modulatory disease such as GVHD) or, optionally about 10,000±about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, or about 40% doses to a patient before or after a freeze-thaw cycle. Such a clinical scale preparation is quite remarkable, for example, because a single patient can be frequently and repeatedly treated with doses of MSCs expanded from a single donation (e.g., bone marrow donation of 100 ml to 120 ml). For example, with the teachings provided herein, a single donation of bone marrow (e.g., 100-120 ml) can be used to produce a preparation of MSCs which can be used to treat a patient for many months or many years (i.e., lifelong treatment).

With the teachings provided herein, the skilled artisan can now make clinical scale MSC preparations having a desired number of MSCs with the antigen profiles taught herein. In general, the final number of MSCs in a preparation is dependent the starting number of primary MSCs (or volume of bone marrow aspirate) and the expansion level. However, large aspirate and culture volumes introduce a number of technical challenges. Successful culture of cells to provide clinical scale preparations of the instant invention can require a heavy burden on cell handling and sterile technique. Even the most well-established culture methods can impart culture heterogeneity in a multitude of ways. A present clinical scale preparation can optionally be obtained by serial passage expansion where each passage includes a step of splitting the previous culture into a plurality of cultures at a given ratio. Each passaging step increases the number of concurrent cultures in the preparation. By way of example, the method detailed in Example 1 through Example 25 produces over 7,000 cell factories for a single isogenic preparation. It is quite remarkable that, by following the teachings provided herein, one can successfully produce clinical scale preparations having the instant preparation profiles, e.g. antigen profile, TNFRI profile, cryopreservation profile, differentiation profile, and/or sterility (with respect to pathogens).

In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising at least about 1×10⁹ MSCs (e.g. ≧P2 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising at least about 4.5×10⁹ MSCs (e.g. ≧P2 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising at least about 31×10⁹ MSCs (e.g. ≧P3 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising at least about 177×10⁹ MSCs (e.g. ≧P4 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising at least about 8×10¹¹ MSCs (e.g. ≧P5 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising at least about 1×10¹² MSCs (e.g. ≧P5 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising about 1×10⁹ to about 1×10¹² MSCs (e.g. P1, P2, P3, P4, or P5 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising about 4.5×10⁹ to about 1×10¹² MSCs (e.g. P2, P3, P4, or P5 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising about 31×10⁹ to about 1×10¹² MSCs (e.g. P3, P4, or P5 cells). In one embodiment, a preparation is provided comprising about 177×10⁹ to about 1×10¹² MSCs (e.g. P4, or P5 cells). In addition to having the antigen profile taught herein, the preparations listed above preparations optionally have a TNFRI profile, cryopreservation profile, and/or differentiation profile taught herein. Optionally, the preparations above retain the antigen profile after one or more additional population doublings. The invention also provides a preparation comprising any of: about 1×10⁹ to about 2×10¹² MSCs, about 4.5×10⁹ to about 2×10¹² MSCs, about 31×10⁹ to about 2×10¹² MSCs, and about 177×10⁹ to about 2×10¹² MSCs, about 1×10⁹ to about 3×10¹² MSCs, about 4.5×10⁹ to about 3×10¹², about 1×10⁹ to about 4×10¹² MSCs, about 4.5×10⁹ to about 3×10¹², about 31×10⁹ to about 3×10¹² MSCs, about 177×10⁹ to about 3×10¹² MSCs, about 31×10⁹ to about 4×10¹² MSCs, and about 177×10⁹ to about 4×10¹² MSCs.

The number of cells in a preparation of the instant invention can be estimated by considering various factors such as the initial volume of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and number of population doublings (PD).

Table 1 shows examplary cell numbers in a clinical scale preparation based on the number of PD and the initial volume of BMA.

TABLE 1 Example Cell Numbers MSCs - 120 ml MSCs - 70 ml MSCs - 20 ml PD BMA BMA BMA 30 3.20E+13 1.87E+13 3.11E+12 29 1.60E+13 9.33E+12 1.56E+12 28 8.00E+12 4.67E+12 7.78E+11 27 4.00E+12 2.33E+12 3.89E+11 26 2.00E+12 1.17E+12 1.94E+11 25 1.00E+12 5.83E+11 9.72E+10 24 5.00E+11 2.92E+11 4.86E+10 23 2.50E+11 1.46E+11 2.43E+10 22 1.25E+11 7.29E+10 1.22E+10 21 6.25E+10 3.65E+10 6.08E+09 20 3.13E+10 1.82E+10 3.04E+09 19 1.56E+10 9.11E+09 1.52E+09 18 7.81E+09 4.56E+09 7.60E+08 17 3.91E+09 2.28E+09 3.80E+08 16 1.95E+09 1.14E+09 1.90E+08 15 9.77E+08 5.70E+08 9.49E+07 14 4.88E+08 2.85E+08 4.75E+07 13 2.44E+08 1.42E+08 2.37E+07 12 1.22E+08 7.12E+07 1.19E+07 11 6.10E+07 3.56E+07 5.93E+06 10 3.05E+07 1.78E+07 2.97E+06 Collections of Preparations

In one embodiment, the invention provides a collection (sometimes simply referred to as ‘a composition’) of at least three preparations, wherein each preparation comprises a therapeutic dose (or multiple doses as in a clinical scale preparation) of MSCs with an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), wherein each preparation is derived from a different donor, and wherein the variance of % CD45+ cells is less than about 0.5%, optionally less than about 0.1%, optionally less than about 0.05%, alternatively optionally less than about 0.4%, optionally less than about 0.3%, or optionally about less than 0.2%, the variance of % CD105+ cells is less than about 1%, optionally less than about 0.5%; and/or the variance of % CD166+ cells is less than about 2.5%, optionally less than about 2%, optionally less than about 1% (e.g., as set forth in Example 34). Optionally, each preparation additionally comprises one or more other profiles of set forth in Example 30 or Example 32.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an MSC manufacturing facility comprising a collection of at least three preparations, wherein each preparation of the collection comprises an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), wherein each preparation is derived from a different donor, wherein the variance of % CD45+ cells is less than about 0.5%, optionally less than about 0.1%, the variance of % CD105+ cells is less than about 1%, optionally less than about 0.5%; and the variance of % CD166+ cells is less than about 2.5%, optionally less than about 2%, optionally less than about 1% (e.g., as set forth in Example 34), and wherein greater than: about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 95% of all clinical scale MSC preparations (e.g., preparations having at least any of: about 1×10⁹, about 5.5×10⁹, about 31×10⁹, about 177×10⁹, or about 8×10¹¹ MSCs) also have the antigen profile, for example, as described in Example 30 or Example 32.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of making therapeutically acceptable MSCs comprising obtaining a bone marrow aspirate containing MSCs, expanding the number of MSCs to produce a preparation having at least one therapeutic dose (e.g. a clinical scale preparation), and selecting the batch for therapeutic use if the preparation has an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). Optionally, upon repeating said obtaining and expanding steps a plurality of times to produce a plurality of preparations derived from different donors, greater than: about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 95% of the preparations have an antigen profile taught here, for example, as described in Example 30 or Example 32.

Formulation

The MSC preparations of the present invention can optionally be formulated for pharmaceutical administration. For example, any pharmaceutically acceptable diluents can be combined with a therapeutic dose (e.g., to form a therapeutic product). Optionally, the therapeutic product comprises albumin, such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA). Optionally, the therapeutic product comprises an electrolyte solution, for example, to provide physiological osmolality and pH (e.g., Plasma-LyteA, Baxter, Deerfield Ill.). Optionally, the therapeutic product comprises a cryopreservative, such as DMSO. Optionally, during formulation of albumin (e.g., with a cryopreservative, such as DMSO), the formulation is chilled before mixing with albumin, for example, to prevent possible degradation of albumin by exothermic reaction.

In one embodiment, a therapeutic product comprises albumin, an electrolyte solution, and a cryopreservative. Optionally, the therapeutic product comprises about 0.1% to about 15% albumin (e.g., about 1% to about 15% such as about 5%) by weight and about 5% to about 20% cryopreservative by volume (e.g., about 10%). Optionally, the therapeutic product comprising albumin is HSA (human serum albumin), the electrolyte solution comprises Plasma-LyteA, and the cryopreservative comprises DMSO.

In one embodiment, a therapeutic product comprises a therapeutic dose.

In one embodiment, a therapeutic product comprises a plurality of therapeutic doses (e.g., about 8,000±about 10% or about 20% doses, or, optionally, about 10,000±about 10% or about 20% doses, and include ranges there between). In one embodiment, the therapeutic product comprises a plurality of therapeutic doses derived from the same donor.

Manufacture

Surprisingly, a bone marrow aspirate containing only a small fraction of the MSCs of the present invention can be processed to produce a preparation containing a relatively uniform and reliable population of MSCs, expanded to a sufficient quantity for a therapeutic dosage or for a clinical scale preparation. Such preparations have an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., a preparation set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), optionally having one or more profiles selected from the group consisting of potency, resilience to cryopreservation, differentiation capacity and retention of differentiation capacity, as taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32).

Generally, a donor is selected as taught here, a biological sample is obtained, the sample is screened (e.g., by methods taught here), acceptable samples are cultured to obtain adherent cells, the adherent cells are expanded under conditions that greatly enrich for the MSCs with desired phenotype (e.g., having an antigen profile taught herein). The culture is expanded to contain a number of cells for a therapeutic dose or for a clinical scale preparation. The preparation can be cryopreserved at one or more passages during expansion.

An MSC preparation of the present invention can be prepared by obtaining a population comprising MSCs, expanding the number by passaging the population one or more times, and selecting cells with a CD105+/CD166+/CD45− phenotype to provide a therapeutic dose or a clinical scale MSC preparation having an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., a preparation set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). In one embodiment, the selection process comprises a step of culturing a population in the presence of a substrate and selecting cells that adhere to the substrate. Optionally, the selecting step does not comprise immunoselecting (e.g. antibody-based purification). Optionally, the selecting step consists essentially of culturing a population in the presence of a substrate and selecting cells that adhere to the substrate, and optionally serially repeating said culturing and selecting steps one or more times.

As set forth below, the MSC preparations of the present invention can be produced by a series of steps, including (1) obtaining living cells from a biological sample of bone marrow (e.g. a bone marrow aspirate); (2) combining the cells with growth medium on a surface suitable for adherent cells; (3) cultivating the cells in vitro to increase the cell numbers; (4) expanding the cells numbers further through “passaging” (or subculturing); (5) optional selecting preparations that have been “qualified” by structural and function features of the therapeutic MSC preparations of the present invention; (6) optionally, cryopreserving the cells; and (6) optionally thawing the cells for subsequent therapeutic administration.

Bone marrow aspirates can typically be more than about 50 ml such as about 100 ml to about 120 ml bone marrow. These cells are “seeded” in appropriate tissue culture medium containing factors that stimulate MSC growth relative to differentiation. Initial seeding concentrations can be about 40 to about one million cells per cm² of culture dish, or about 146 or about 146 plus and minus 50 or plus and minus 100 or in the range of about 50 to about 500 cells/cm² of culture dish. Primary cells are selected for adherence to an appropriate substrate surface and cultivated for one or more weeks (e.g., for about 21±3 days), removing the non-adherent matter from the substrate surface by replacing the medium with a fresh medium and allowing the adherent MSCs to culture-expand.

Optionally, these primary cells can be further passaged to non-primary cells (e.g. removed from the culture surface and expanded into additional area) by seeding at a density of about 1,000 to about one million nucleated cells/cm² of culture dish (e.g. about 5,900 cells/cm² plus and minus about 1,200), and then culturing for additional days, e.g. about 14±about 2 days. In suitable embodiments, the primary cells are grown to confluence, and in some instances are passaged to a second culture of non-primary cells by seeding the primary cells from a confluent primary cell culture in the second culture surface in an amount below confluence and growing the non-primary culture to confluence. This method can be repeated for additional passages.

This ex vivo culture expansion can optionally comprise additional passaging (e.g., about 3, about 4, or about 5 cycles). The method can comprise, for example, passaging a number of times to provide a five passage (P5) culture.

Donor Selection

In one embodiment, a population of MSCs is derived from a tissue specimen containing MSCs (e.g., bone marrow). The donor can be any donor having MCS-containing tissue. Optionally, the donor is a human. Optionally, the donor is a living human. Optionally, the donor is not a fetus. Optionally, the donor is in a post-natal stage of life.

In one embodiment, a donor is selected for tissue donation (e.g., bone marrow donation) based on predetermined selection criteria. Optionally, a donor is determined to be eligible if the donor is free from risk factors, shows no signs of infection due to relevant communicable disease agents and infectious diseases, or is deemed physically fit to undergo the bone marrow aspirate procedure as per HCT/P regulations, for example, as set forth in Example 2.

In one embodiment, a donor is a “qualified donor”. A qualified donor is a donor that is selected based on the results of one or more or all assessments/tests listed in Table 2. Optionally, a qualified donor is a donor having one or more of: a minimum of one successful donation, a previous bone marrow cell count greater than about 2.0×10⁶ cells/mL, a history of negative infectious disease tests, a Body Mass Index (BMI)<about 30, and an age of about 18 to about 30 years.

In one embodiment, a qualified donor is negative or non-reactive for some or all of the diseases set forth in Table 3. Optionally, the donor is screened for said diseases using the respective example assay/test set forth in Table 3.

Donor Tissue Source

In order to obtain the present preparations, it is necessary to obtain and selectively expand the MSCs from biological samples.

Bone marrow cells can be obtained from iliac crest, femora, tibiae, spine, rib or other medullary spaces. Optionally, bone marrow is obtained as soft tissue, for example, occupying the medullary cavities of long bones, some haversian canals, and spaces between trabeculae of cancellous or spongy bone. Optionally, bone marrow is obtained as either of two types: red, which is found in all bones in early life and in restricted locations in adulthood (i.e., in the spongy bone) and is concerned with the production of blood cells (i.e., hematopoiesis) and hemoglobin; and yellow, which consists largely of fat cells and connective tissue.

The collection of MSCs-containing tissue can be performed by any method known in the art.

In one embodiment, bone marrow is collected by aspiration, for example, as set forth in Example 3. Optionally, the method of collection involves the use of an anticoagulant, for example, heparin, as set forth in Example 3. Optionally, the bone marrow is collected from the iliac crest.

In one embodiment, up to about 120 ml of bone marrow is collected from a donor, for example, as set forth in Example 3. In another embodiment, at least about 60 ml or more of bone marrow is collected. Optionally, about 60 ml (±about 10%, about 20%, or about 30%) of bone marrow is collected from each side of the iliac crest. Optionally, about 80 ml to about 120 ml or about 80 ml to about 160 ml is collected. Optionally, about 20 ml to about 40 ml, about 40 ml to about 60 ml, about 60 ml to about 80 ml, about 80 ml to about 100 ml, about 100 ml to about 120 ml, or about 120 ml to about 120 ml of bone marrow is collected. Optionally, the bone marrow is collected from the iliac crest. Optionally, the bone marrow is collected from the iliac crest and a volume equal to about half the volume in the ranges taught above is collected from each side thereof.

In one embodiment, donor tissue (e.g., BMA) is placed in a container having a tubing harness or other means allowing for transfer to a processing device For example, the processing device may be in a functionally closed system of processing steps comprising filling, sampling, and transferring of solutions, as set forth in Example 4.

Isolation of an MSC-Containing Population

An MSC-containing population can be isolated from MSC-containing tissue (e.g., bone marrow) by any method known in the art.

In one embodiment, isolation of an MSC-containing population comprises a step of isolating nucleated bone marrow cells (e.g., from BMA). Methods for the isolation of nucleated bone marrow cells are known in the art. Optionally, nucleated bone marrow cells are isolated by diluting bone marrow (e.g., BMA) and separating nucleated bone marrow cells from other cells (e.g., red blood cells). Optionally, separating comprises allowing the other cells to settle and extracting a layer of nucleated bone marrow cells, for example, as set forth in Example 5.

In one embodiment, nucleated bone marrow cells (e.g., obtained as described above) are washed and/or concentrated. Any composition known for washing can be used (e.g., a physiological salt buffer such as PBS). Optionally, washing and/or concentrating comprises washing with a culture medium. The culture medium can be any medium suitable for expansion of MSCs without differentiation (e.g., DMEM; RPMI; etc. in the presence of FBS or serum-free replacement). Optionally, the culture medium contains L-alanyl-L-glutamine and FBS, for example, as set forth in Example 5. Optionally, the culture medium comprises DMEM, L-alanyl-L-glutamine, and about 10% FBS. Optionally, the culture medium comprises DMEM with about 4 mM L-alanyl-L-glutamine+about 10% FBS.

In one embodiment, nucleated bone marrow cells are washed and/or concentrated in an automated device, for example, as set forth in Example 5.

In one embodiment, nucleated bone marrow cells are washed or concentrated (or washed and concentrated) in a device that allows for a functionally closed system of filling, sampling, or transferring of solutions, for example, as set forth in Example 5.

Establishing an MSC Culture

An MSC culture can be established from MSC-containing tissue or an MSC-containing population (e.g., isolated nucleated bone marrow cells) by any method known in the art.

In one embodiment, an MSC culture is provided by establishing an adherent culture (e.g., a primary adherent culture). Methods of establishing an adherent MCS culture are known in the art. Generally, establishing an adherent culture comprises seeding an MSC-containing population (e.g., isolated nucleated bone marrow cells or INBMCs) on a substrate, as is known in the art (e.g., a treated or untreated plastic culture vessel), and incubating the population under appropriate conditions for expansion of adherent cells. Non-adherent cells are removed by changing the culture medium with an optional washing step.

Optionally, the culture vessel comprises a cell factory (CF). Optionally, seeding an MSC-containing population comprises seeding at a target concentration, for example, as set forth above or in Example 6.

Optionally, seeding comprises providing an MSC-containing population in suspension at a target concentration in a container and transferring the suspension to a culture vessel (e.g., a ten-stack CF), for example, as set forth in Example 6.

Optionally, seeding is performed in an automated device, for example, as set forth in Example 6. Optionally, seeding is performed in a device that allows for a functionally closed system of filling, sampling, and transferring of solutions, for example, as set forth in Example 6.

Cultured MSCs are is incubated under appropriate conditions, as is known in the art (e.g., at a desired temperature, CO₂ concentration, and relative humidity), for example, as set forth in Example 6.

Expansion in Culture

Once a culture of MCSs has been established (e.g., by the methods described above), the culture is expanded to increase the quantity of MCSs.

The culture is expanded in any culture medium suitable for expansion of MSCs without differentiation (e.g., DMEM, RPMI, etc. in the presence of FBS or serum-free replacement). Optionally, the culture medium contains L-alanyl-L-glutamine and FBS. Optionally, the culture medium comprises DMEM, L-alanyl-L-glutamine, and about 10% FBS. Optionally, the culture medium comprises DMEM with about 4 mM L-alanyl-L-glutamine and about 10% FBS.

While growing in culture, cells consume nutrients in the culture medium. Optionally, nutrients are replenished by adding culture medium. Optionally, replenishing comprises one or more feed changes (e.g., about every 3-4 days). Optionally, a feed change comprises removing spent medium (medium with reduced nutrient levels) and then adding fresh culture medium. Optionally, non-adherent cells are removed with the spent medium (e.g., by aspiration) during the one or more feed changes, for example, as set forth in Example 7. Optionally, the cells are grown in culture for about 14±2 days (e.g., between passages). Optionally, cells are grown in culture for about 9 to about 12 days for the final expansion stage, for example, to produce a P5 culture. Optionally, MSCs are seeded at about 5,900 cells±about 5%, ±about 10%, or ±about 20% per cm² or in a range of about 1,000 to about 10,000 and/or about 37.5×10⁶±about 5%, ±about 10%, or ±about 20% cells per about 1.5 L of culture media for expansion steps (e.g., prior to a second or later expansion after an initial passage of an MSC culture expanded from a population of INBMCs).

MSCs in culture will generally continue growing until confluence at which time contact inhibition causes cessation of cell division or growth. A passage can then be performed at or before confluence, as described below, to reseed the culture at a reduced concentration in order to continue expansion of the cells (“passage expansion”), as described above.

Passaging

The methods of manufacture of the present invention comprise at least one passaging, splitting or “subculturing”.

In one embodiment, one passage comprises removing non-adherent cells, leaving adherent MSCs. Such MSCs can then be dissociated from the substrate or flask (e.g., by using a protease such as trypsin or collagenase), media can be added, optional washing (e.g., by centrifugation) may be performed, and then the MSCs can be replated or reseeded to one or more culture vessels contain a greater surface area in total, for example, as set forth in Example 9 through Example 11. Other methods of removing non-adherent cells include steps of non-enzymatic treatment (e.g., with EDTA).

The cells can then continue to expand in culture, as described above.

Optionally, cells are passaged at or near confluence (e.g., about 75% to about 95% confluence), for example, as set forth in Example 8, Example 17, Example 18, or Example 20.

In one embodiment, the MSC preparations in culture are split at a ratio of about 1:6 (by surface area). Optionally, the MCSs in culture are split at a ratio of about 1:2 or more, about 1:3 or more, about 1:4 or more, about 1:5 or more, about 1:6 or more, about 1:7 or more, about 1:8 or more, about 1:9 or more, or about 1:10 or more.

In one embodiment, the MSCs are seeded at a concentration of about 37.5×10⁶±about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% cells/ml of culture medium.

In one embodiment, the MSCs are cultured for at least about two passages. Optionally the MSCs are cultured for about two to about five, two to about six, or two to about seven passages, or more. Optionally, the MSCs are cultured for about two, about three, about four, or about five passages. Optionally, the MSCs are passaged not more than about ten or not more than about seven passages.

Cell Handling

The process of MSC isolation and ex-vivo expansion can be performed using any equipment and cell handing methods known in the art.

Various manufacturing embodiments of the present invention employ steps that require manipulation of cells, for example, steps of seeding, feeding, dissociating an adherent culture, or washing. Any step of manipulating cells has the potential to insult the cells. Although MSCs can generally withstand a certain amount of insult during preparation, cells are preferably manipulated by handling procedures and/or equipment that adequately performs the given step(s) while minimizing insult to the cells.

Steps of washing and freezing are potentially insulting to cells. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that protocols requiring extensive washing or rapid freezing of cells do not provide the quality or consistency required to manufacture a pharmaceutical composition suitable for administration to a human. Furthermore, the effects of extensive washing or rapid freezing protocols on the viability of cells and the efficacy a pharmaceutical composition comprising such cells is unknown.

In one embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells are washed in an apparatus that includes a cell source bag, a wash solution bag, a recirculation wash bag, a spinning membrane filter having inlet and outlet ports, a filtrate bag, a mixing zone, an end product bag for the washed cells, and appropriate tubing, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,295 to Johnson, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The apparatus can be a closed or semi-closed system, thereby reducing the potential for contamination. Unwashed MSCs from the cell source bag can be mixed with the wash solution in the centrifugal filtration device. The resulting suspension of mesenchymal stem cells in wash solution then is fed to the spinning membrane filter through an inlet port. A filtrate comprising wash solution is withdrawn from the spinning membrane filter through a first outlet port, and a concentrated suspension of MSCs is withdrawn from the spinning membrane filter through a second outlet port, and fed into the recirculation wash bag. The MSCs then are withdrawn from the recirculation wash bag, mixed with additional wash solution, and sent again to the spinning membrane filter.

In one embodiment, washing comprises pooling several culture vessels in a single container and washing, for example, as set forth in Example 12 and Example 28.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a therapeutic MSC preparation is provided by placing culture expanded MSCs in an appropriate cryopreservative for cryopreservation. Optionally, the cryopreservative comprises DMSO. Optionally, an MSC preparation comprises about 5% to about 20% cryopreservative. For example, in some embodiments, a therapeutic MSC preparation comprises MSCs and about 20% DMSO. In other embodiments, a therapeutic MSC preparation comprises MSCs and about 10% DMSO. In some embodiments, the DMSO is added to purified MSCs.

In one embodiment, cells are cryogenically frozen and/or stored at less than about −70° C., for example: about ≦−80° C., about ≦−80° C. to about ≦−135° C., or about ≦−135° C. In one embodiment, cells are cryogenically frozen by reducing the preparation temperature by about one degree per minute. Optionally, cells are cryogenically frozen by reducing the preparation temperature by about one degree per minute until the preparation reaches about ≦−80° C., and then the temperature of preparation is reduced to about ≦−135° C. Optionally, the rate of temperature change before reaching about −80° C. is less than the rate of temperature change from about ≦−80° C. to about ≦−135° C. Optionally, the temperature of preparation is reduced to about ≦−80° C. in a first refrigerating apparatus that provides a controlled rate of temperature change (e.g., a Cryomed) while temperature of preparation is reduced from about ≦−80° C. to about ≦−135° C. in second refrigerating apparatus that does not provide a controlled rate of temperature change, for example, a freezer set at about ≦−135° C. (e.g., a LN2 freezer), for example, as discussed in Example 29.

In one embodiment, manufacturing of MSCs preparation is performed in a closed or semi-closed system, for example, for filling, sampling, and transfer of solutions. A closed or semi-closed system can be provided by utilizing transfer means (e.g., tubes) which are sterile-welded, sterile-fused, sterile-sealed, or otherwise sterilely connected to cell-containing vessels. Examplary steps that can use the welder and sealer include: transfer of BMA and fluids, sampling, seeding of CF, feeds, passages, harvest, formulation, fill and cryopreservation. Examplary cell-containing vessels include those which are used in the steps described above, for example, BMA collection containers or bags, cell washing containers or bags, cell-cryopreservation vessels or bags, cell-culture vessels, and cell-sampling vessels.

Screening

In one embodiment of the present invention, an MSC preparation is screened for therapeutic use, wherein the preparation is selected for administration to a patient if the preparation has an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). Optionally, the preparation is selected for administration only if it has an acceptable potency (e.g., a TNFRI profile set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), an acceptable post-thaw viability (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), has an acceptable differentiation profile (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32), has a pathogen content under an acceptable limit, and/or has an animal-derived residual content under an acceptable limit.

A number of methods are known in the art for determining an antigen profile. In one embodiment, an antigen profile is determined by flow cytometry or fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Thus, as known in the art, FACS involves exposing cells to a reporter, such as a labeled antibody, which binds to and labels antigens expressed by the cell. Methods of production of antibodies and labeling thereof to form reporters are known in the art. The cells are then passed through a FACS machine, which sorts the cells from each other based on the labeling.

The potency in the TNFRI profiles of the present invention is the relative amount of TNFRI in the preparation (pg per million MSCs) and optionally, the activity of the preparation (% IL-2Rα Inhibition). The amount of cellular TNFRI in a culture of mesenchymal stem cells can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, quantitative assays such as quantitative ELISA assays, for example, as described in WO 2007/087139 to Danilkovitch et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to any particular method for determining the amount. The TNFRI activity of the preparation is expressed as the percent IL-2Rα expression inhibition on mitogen-stimulated white blood cells and is determined by the method described by Le Blanc et al. (“Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit the Expression of CD25 (Interleukin-2 Receptor) and CD38 on Phytohaemagglutinin-Activated Lymphocytes”, Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 2004, Vol 60 No 3, Pages 307-315).

Methods of determining adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation are described by Pittenger et al. (“Multilineage potential of adult human mesenchymal stem cells”. Science 1999; 284:143-7). Adipogenic differentiation can be measured by detecting the formation of lipid-rich vacuoles within cells after treatment with 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, insulin, and indomethacin. Chondrogenic differentiation can be measured by detecting type II collagen and expression of chondrocytic markers after culturing the cells without serum and with transforming growth factor-b3. Osteogenic differentiation is measured by detecting alkaline phosophatase expression after treatment with dexamethasone, β-glycerol phosphate, and ascorbate and in the presence of about 10% v/v FBS.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an MSC preparation is screened for therapeutic use, wherein the preparation is selected for administration to a patient if the preparation is free of pathogens. Optionally, the pathogens screened for include on or more of endotoxin, bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Optionally, the viruses include one or more of a human T-cell lymphotropic virus nucleic acid sequence, a human hepatitis virus nucleic acid sequence, a human cytomegalovirus nucleic acid sequence, a human Epstein-Barr virus nucleic acid sequence, a human herpesvirus nucleic acid sequence, a human immunodeficiency virus nucleic acid sequence, a parvovirus nucleic acid sequence, and a human papillomavirus nucleic acid sequence. Methods for screening for such pathogens are well known in the art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an MSC preparation is screened for therapeutic use, wherein the preparation is selected for administration to a patient if the preparation has a BSA and/or trypsin content of less than a predetermined amount. Optionally, a present preparation contains less than about 55 μg/mL, about 42 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 13 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL BSA, about 7 μg/mL, or about 15 μg/mL BSA. Optionally, a present preparation contains less than: about 42 μg/mL or about 40 μg/mL trypsin. Such examplary methods include quantitative assays such as quantitative immuno assays, for example, as described in copending application Ser. No. 12/541,282, filed Aug. 14, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an MSC preparation is screened for therapeutic use, wherein the preparation is selected for administration to a patient if the preparation has acceptable freeze-thaw viability (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32). Cell viability and cell count is assessed by flow cytometry of fluorescently stained cells, based on differential staining of viable and non-viable cells due to their respective permeabilities to DNA-binding dyes in a proprietary reagent (Viacount™ Guava Technologies). The stained sample is analyzed on a Guava PCA flow cytometer and the Guava CytoSoft software package. The Guava PCA uses a 532 nm diode laser to excite the dyes, whose fluorescence is detected by photomultipliers (“PM”) (PM1 detects the viability dye emission at 580 nm; PM2 detects nuclear dye emission at 675 nm), while a photodiode measures forward light scatter (FSC). The fluorescence signal is resolved, allowing quantitation of the viable and non-viable cell populations from cellular debris in the test article. The Guava's operational range of diluted cell suspension is about 10 to about 500 particles/mL.

Methods of Use

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a subject in need thereof comprising the step of administering a therapeutic dose of an MSC preparation having an antigen profile taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 and Example 32). Optionally, the preparation further comprises a second profile taught herein (e.g., as set forth in Example 30 or Example 32).

In one embodiment, the disease is an autoimmune disease or a graft-versus-host disease treated by the administration of one or more therapeutic doses. Optionally, administration of one or more therapeutic doses produces an endpoint taught herein (e.g. overall response or partial response, such as that of a single organ). Optionally, administration of one or more therapeutic doses is therapeutically effective in steroid-refractory disease (e.g., GVHD).

By way of example, autoimmune diseases which can be treated in accordance with the present invention include multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, uveitis, autoimmune thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), scleroderma, Graves' Disease, lupus, Crohn's disease, autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease (ALPS), demyelinating disease, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, autoimmune gastritis (AIG), and autoimmune glomerular diseases. Also, as noted hereinabove, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can be treated. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the treatment of the specific diseases mentioned herein.

In general, the mesenchymal stem cell therapy is based, for example, on the following sequence: harvest of MSC-containing tissue, isolate and expand MSCs, and administer the MSCs to the animal, with or without biochemical or genetic manipulation.

A therapeutic dose for an autoimmune disease or graft-versus-host disease can contain about 1×10⁵ cells/kg to about 1×10⁷ cells/kg. In another embodiment, a therapeutic dose is about 1×10⁶ cells/kg to about 5×10⁶ cells/kg. In another embodiment, a therapeutic dose is about 2×10⁶ cells/kg to about 8×10⁶ cells/kg. In another embodiment, a therapeutic dose is about 2×10⁶ cells/kg or about 2×10⁶±about 10%, about 20%, or about 30% cells/kg. In another embodiment, a therapeutic dose is about 8×10⁶ cells/kg or about 8×10⁶±about 10%, about 20%, or about 30% cells/kg, and include any amounts or ranges there between. Given an MSC preparation of the present invention, the amount of mesenchymal stem cells to be administered is dependent upon a variety of factors, including the age, weight, and sex of the patient, the autoimmune disease to be treated, and the extent and severity thereof.

The mesenchymal stem cells can be administered by a variety of procedures. The mesenchymal stem cells can be administered systemically, such as by intravenous, intraarterial, or intraperitoneal administration. The mesenchymal stem cells can be administered by direct injection to an organ or tissue in need thereof. The mesenchymal stem cells can be applied topically. The mesenchymal stem cells can be applied directly to a tissue in need thereof during a surgical procedure.

The mesenchymal stem cells can be, for example, autologous, allogeneic, or xenogeneic.

The mesenchymal stem cells can be administered in conjunction with an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier. For example, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered as a cell suspension in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid medium or gel for injection or topical application.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating an inflammatory response in an animal. The method comprises administering to the animal mesenchymal stem cells in an amount effective to treat the inflammatory response in the animal.

Although the scope of this aspect of the present invention is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells promote T-cell maturation to regulatory T-cells (TReg), thereby controlling inflammatory responses. It is also believed that the mesenchymal stem cells inhibit T helper 1 cells (Th1 cells), thereby decreasing the expression of the Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in certain Th1 type inflammatory reactions, such as those associated with psoriasis, for example.

In one embodiment, the inflammatory responses which can be treated are those associated with Th1-type diseases.

In one embodiment, the inflammatory responses which can be treated are those associated with hyperactivated T helper 2 cells (Th2 cells), for example, allergies and asthma.

In one embodiment, the inflammatory responses which can be treated are those associated with psoriasis.

In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to an animal such that the mesenchymal stem cells contact microglia or astrocytes in the brain to reduce inflammation. Although this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells limit neurodegeneration caused by activated glial cells in diseases or disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, or brain cell injuries.

In yet another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to an animal such that the mesenchymal stem cells contact keratinocytes and Langerhans cells in the epidermis of the skin to reduce inflammation as can occur in psoriasis, chronic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Although this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells can contact the keratinocytes and Langerhans cells in the epidermis, and alter the expression of T-cell receptors and cytokine secretion profiles leading to decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and increased regulatory T-cell (Treg cell) population.

In a further embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to reduce inflammation in an articulating joint, the bone, cartilage, or cartilage and bone, as occurs in arthritis and arthritis-like conditions, including but not limited to, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic diseases listed in the website www.arthritis.org/conditions/diseases as it appears on 12 Sep. 2011. Although the scope of this embodiment is not intended to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit Interleukin-17 secretion by memory T-cells in the synovial fluid.

In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to limit inflammation in the gut and liver during inflammatory bowel disease and chronic hepatitis, respectively. Although the scope of this aspect of the present invention is not intended to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells promote increased secretion of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and the generation of regulatory T-cells (Treg cells).

In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to inhibit excessive neutrophil and macrophage activation in pathological conditions such as sepsis and trauma, including burn injury, surgery, and transplants. Although the scope of this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed the mesenchymal stem cells promote secretion of suppressive cytokines such as IL-10, and inhibit IL-1 RA.

In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to control inflammation in immune privileged sites such as the eye, including the cornea, lens, pigment epithelium, and retina, brain, spinal cord, pregnant uterus and placenta, ovary, testes, adrenal cortex, liver, and hair follicles. Although the scope of this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells promote the secretion of suppressive cytokines such as IL-10 and the generation of Treg cells.

In yet another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to treat tissue damage associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during dialysis or glomerulonephritis. Although the scope of this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that mesenchymal stem cells can promote renal repair. Mesenchymal stem cells also are believed to express and secrete vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF, which stimulates new blood vessel formation, which may aid in the repair of damaged kidney tissue.

In a further embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to control viral infections such as influenza, hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus, vaccinia virus infections, and Epstein-Barr virus. Although the scope of this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells promote the secretion of Interferons including Interferon-Alpha, Interferon-Beta, and Interferon-Gamma.

In yet another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to control parasitic infections such as Leishmania infections and Helicobacter infections. Although the scope of this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells mediate responses by T helper 2 (Th2) cells, and thereby promote increased production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) by B-cells.

In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to an animal to treat inflammation which results from a lung disease or disorder. Such lung diseases or disorders include, but are not limited to, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), asthma, and pulmonary hypertension.

Although the scope of this embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, the inflammatory response in the above-mentioned lung diseases or disorders involves the secretion of TNF-alpha and/or MCP-I. It is believed that the mesenchymal stem cells migrate to inflamed lung tissue due to increased production of one or both of TNF-alpha and MCP-I, which are chemoattractants for mesenchymal stem cells.

It is to be understood, however, that the scope of this aspect of the present invention is not to be limited to the treatment of any particular inflammatory response.

The mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to a mammal, including human and non-human primates, as hereinabove described.

The mesenchymal stem cells also can be administered systemically, as hereinabove described, for example, but not limited to, intravenously or intra-arterially. In some embodiments, the MSCs of the present technology can be administered by direct injection into the tissue, for example, but not limited to, direct injection to inflamed tissue in a subject or a joint of a subject. For example, MSCs of the present technology can be administered directly to the heart of a patient. Alternatively, in the case of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the mesenchymal stem cells may be administered directly to an arthritic joint.

The mesenchymal stem cells, in accordance with the present invention, can be employed in the treatment, alleviation, or prevention of any disease or disorder which can be alleviated, treated, or prevented through angiogenesis. Thus, for example, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to an animal to treat blocked arteries, including those in the extremities, i.e., arms, legs, hands, and feet, as well as the neck or in various organs. For example, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to treat blocked arteries which supply the brain, thereby treating or preventing stroke. Also, the mesenchymal stem cells can be used to treat blood vessels in embryonic and postnatal corneas and can be used to provide glomerular structuring. In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be employed in the treatment of wounds, both internal and external, as well as the treatment of dermal ulcers found in the feet, hands, legs or arms, including, but not limited to, dermal ulcers caused by diseases such as diabetes and sickle cell anemia.

Furthermore, because angiogenesis is involved in embryo implantation and placenta formation, the mesenchymal stem cells can be employed to promote embryo implantation and prevent miscarriage.

In addition, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to an unborn animal, including humans, to promote the development of the vasculature in the unborn animal.

In another embodiment, the mesenchymal stem cells can be administered to an animal, born or unborn, in order to promote cartilage resorption and bone formation, as well as promote correct growth plate morphogenesis.

The mesenchymal stem cells can be genetically engineered with one or more polynucleotides encoding a therapeutic agent. The polynucleotides can be delivered to the mesenchymal stem cells via an appropriate expression vehicle. Expression vehicles which can be employed to genetically engineer the mesenchymal stem cells include, but are not limited to, retroviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, and adeno-associated virus vectors.

The presently described technology and its advantages will be better understood by reference to the following examples. These examples are provided to describe specific embodiments of the present technology. By providing these specific examples, it is not intended limit the scope and spirit of the present technology. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the full scope of the presently described technology encompasses the subject matter defined by the claims appending this specification, and any alterations, modifications, or equivalents of those claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Donor Selection

The starting material for the production of the present MSCs in this example is a bone marrow aspirate (“BMA”) obtained from a human donor. The donor is selected based on the results of one or more or all assessments/tests listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Donor Selection Assessment/Test Acceptance Criteria Clinical Bone Marrow Donor Must be Completed Application Consent Form for the Bone Must Consent Marrow Collection Informed Consent & Agreement Must Consent for HIV Testing Health & TSE-Risk Factor As accepted by Medical Questionnaire (TSE = transmissible Director spongiform encephalopathy) Physical assessment As accepted by Medical Director ABO Rh Results as reported HLA Typing Results as reported HLA Beta DR Typing Results as reported Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Within acceptable limits (CMP) Complete Blood Count (CBC) Within acceptable limits

The qualified donor meets all of the following selection criteria: a minimum of one successful donation, a previous bone marrow cell count greater than 2.0×10⁶ cells/mL, a history of negative infectious disease tests, a Body Mass Index (BMI)<30, and an age of 18 to 30 years.

Example 2 Donor Screening

The BMA donor is screened for acceptance by testing a sample of blood against a panel of infectious diseases as shown in Table 3. The donor meets all of the acceptance criteria shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Donor Screening Acceptance Disease Assay/Test Criteria Regulatory Status Human Genetic Systems Negative or FDA Licensed for donor Immunodeficiency HIV-1/HIV-2 Plus 0 Nonreactive screening Viruses 1 and 2 (HIV) EIA (Bio-Rad Antibody HIV-1, HIV-2 Laboratories, Hercules, CA) HIV-1. HIV-1 NAT Procleix HIV- Negative or FDA Licensed for donor 1/HCV Assay Nonreactive screening (Gene-Probe, Inc, San Diego, CA) Hepatitis B Virus Genetic System Negative or FDA Licensed for donor (HBV). Hep B surface HBsAg EIA 3.0 Nonreactive screening Antigen (HBsAg) (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) Hepatitis B Virus Ortho HBc ELISA Negative or FDA Licensed for donor (HBV). Antibody Hep Test (Ortho-Clinical Nonreactive screening B core (total) Diagnostics, Rochester, NY) Hepatitis B Virus COBAS Negative or FDA Licensed for donor (HBV). HBV NAT AmpliScreen HBV Nonreactive screening Test (Roche Molecular Systems Inc, Pleasanton, CA) Hepatitis C Virus Ortho HCV Version Negative or FDA Licensed for donor (HCV). 3.0 ELISA Test Nonreactive screening Antibody HCV System (Ortho- Clinical Diagnostics, Rochester, NY) Hepatitis C Virus Procleix HIV- Negative or FDA Licensed for donor (HCV). HCV NAT 1/HCV Assay (Gen- Nonreactive screening Probe, Inc., San Diego, CA) Human T Cell Abbott HTLV Negative or FDA Licensed for donor Lymphotropic Virus I/HTLV-II EIA Nonreactive screening Types I & II (HTLV (Abbott I1/II). Laboratories, Abbott Antibody HTLV-I/II Park, IL) Cytomegalovirus Capture- Negative or FDA Cleared for donor (CMV). Antibody CMV CMV Immucor Nonreactive screening Total Gamma (Immucor, Inc., Norcroos, GA) Antibody Epstein-Barr AtheNa Multi-Lyte Negative or Laboratory Validated Virus (EBV) IgM EBV (Inverness Nonreactive Medical Professional Diagnostics, Princeton, NJ) Rapid Protein Reagin Macro-Vue RPR Nonreactive FDA Cleared for (RPR, Serological test Card Tests (BD, or Reactive Diagnostic Use for Syphilis) Franklin Lakes, NJ) Syphilis (Treponema MarDx FTA-ABS Negative or FDA Cleared for donor pallidum). FTA-ABS Test System (MarDx Nonreactive screening performed if RPR is Diagnostics, Inc. reactive A Trinity Biotech Company, Carlesbad, CA) West Nile Virus Procleix WNV Negative or FDA Licensed for donor (WNV). WNV NAT Assay (Novartis, Nonreactive screening Cambridge MA)

Example 3 BMA Collection

Collection of the BMA takes place at an outpatient surgical center (e.g., 7 days after blood sample collection was performed.) The donor is placed in the prone position and the bone marrow aspiration needle is inserted into the posterior iliac crest. The BMA collection procedure uses two syringes each containing 5 mL of 1,000 USP units/mL heparin sodium, which acts as an anticoagulant. As a result, the BMA material contains a small concentration (10,000 U/BMA) of heparin sodium. Up to 60 ml bone marrow is aspirated from the insertion site (from each side of the iliac crest), for example from 100 ml to 120 ml bone marrow in total.

Example 4 BMA Packaging

The BMA material is packaged in a 300 mL Baxter LifeCell™ tissue culture bag, which is an FDA-cleared, sterile, gas-permeable bag that is intended for the cultivation of cells grown in suspension. The container has a tubing harness allowing for functionally closed system filling, sampling, and transferring of solutions during the manufacturing process.

Example 5 Isolation of Nucleated Bone Marrow Cells from BMA

The first step (day 1) in the isolation and expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) involves the isolation of nucleated bone marrow cells from the BMA. A CytoMate® Cell Washer (Baxter Healthcare Corp., Deerfield, Ill.) connected with a fluid transfer set is used to transfer a Plasma-Lyte®A (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.) and Hespan formulation to the BMA by using a Terumo sterile tube welder to fuse the BMA bag tubing lines together with the fluid transfer set. In some embodiments of the present application, other cell washing or purification machines or techniques are used instead of a Cytomate Cell Washer; when the Cytomate is referred to herein, the present inventors appreciate that any suitable replacement device for cell washing or purification machines or techniques may be employed instead. Hespan is utilized to agglutinate, sediment, and separate the majority of the red blood cells (RBCs) from the bone marrow nucleated cells. Using the “Fluid Transfer” program on the CytoMate® (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.), the Plasma-Lyte®A (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.) and Hespan formulation (6% Hetastarch) is then transferred into the BMA bag and the RBCs are allowed to settle for approximately 60 to 90 minutes until a distinct separation appears between the nucleated bone marrow cells and the RBCs. The nucleated bone marrow cells (top layer) are isolated from the BMA bag using a Fenwal plasma extractor to press the upper nucleated bone marrow cell layer into a transfer pack. The isolated nucleated bone marrow cells (INBMCs) are then transferred to the CytoMate® and processed by concentrating and washing the cells with culture medium (DMEM w/4 mM L-alanyl-L-glutamine+10% FBS). INBMCs are counted using a Hematology Analyzer (Beckman Coulter).

Example 6 Isolation of MSCs

Following the cell count, the INBMCs are diluted to the target seeding concentration (e.g., 925×10⁶ INBMCs per 55 ml) and transferred to a 1.5 L culture medium bag using the “Transfer Volume” program on the CytoMate® to obtain the “Media Cell Suspension”. The “Media Cell Suspension” is used to seed the INBMCs into a CO₂ primed Nunc ten-stack cell factory (CF) at about 5,900 cells±about 20% per cm² of growing surface. The CF is then placed in an incubator set at about 37±1° C. and about 5±2% CO₂, and ambient relative humidity. This is the primary culture (P0). After the initial seeding of the INBMCs, MSCs attach to the tissue culture plastic and grow to form a primary adherent population.

Example 7 Feeds

Non-adherent cells are aspirated away during a feed change. The feed is an addition of 1.5 L of fresh culture medium to replace the existing culture medium (“spent medium”) that has been depleted of nutrients from cells growing in culture. A feed is performed every 3-4 days. During each feed, the CF is examined for integrity and appearance.

Example 8 First Passage

After approximately about 21±3 days in culture, the primary culture (P0) is expanded (e.g., from one CF to approximately six CFs, or, optionally from one CF to approximately eight CFs) for the first passage (P1).

Example 9 Trypsinizing

The spent medium in each CF is drained via gravity flow into an empty medium bag that is attached (e.g., sterile welded such as using a Terumo Sterile Tubing Welder) to a CF tubing set. After the CF has been completely drained, the “spent medium” bag is removed.

A “Stop Solution” bag and a “Trypsin-EDTA (0.05% Trypsin, 0.53 mM EDTA)” bag are attached (e.g., sterile welded) to the CF tubing set. Trypsin-EDTA (approximately 400 mL) is added to the CF via gravity flow. Once the “Trypsin-EDTA” bag has been emptied, the CF is placed into a 37±1° C. and 5±2% CO₂ incubator for trypsinization.

Each CF is trypsinized for up to 30 minutes (e.g., up to about 15 to about 30 min or any range in-between). During the trypsinization period, the CFs are observed approximately every 8 minutes using an inverted microscope to determine the percentage of cells that have detached. When the percentage of detached cells is estimated to be >about 90%, the trypsinization is stopped by adding 100 mL of media “stop solution” (e.g., DMEM containing 10% FBS) into the CF via gravity flow. The duration of the trypsinization is recorded.

Example 10 Washing

The trypsinized-stopped cell suspension is drained via gravity flow into a 600 mL transfer pack that is attached to a CF tubing set.

The trypsinized-stopped cell suspension is then washed using the CytoMate®.

Example 11 Seeding

The hMSCs are counted on a Guava Personal Cytometer™ (Guava Technologies).

An amount of cells (e.g., about 37.5×10⁶ cells or about 37.5×10⁶±about 5%, about 10%, or about 20% cells) are added to 1.5 L culture medium bags on the CytoMate®. The culture medium bags now containing cells are then used to seed a corresponding number of CFs via sterile tubing connections (e.g. at about 5,900 cells/per cm²±about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% per cm²). The seeded CFs are then placed in an incubator set at about 37±1° C. and about 5±2% CO₂, and ambient relative humidity for approximately 14±2 days, with feeds approximately every 3-4 days, as set forth in Example 7.

Example 12 Second Passage

After approximately 14±2 days in culture, the CF (e.g., six-CF, or eight-CF) P1 cultures are expanded (e.g., into 36 CFs) for the second passage (P2).

Each of the CFs (e.g., 6 CFs, or eight-CF) is passaged as set forth in Example 9 through Example 11 (e.g., to provide 36 CFs). The trypsinized-stopped cell suspensions of several CFs can be pooled before washing.

Example 13 Harvest

After approximately 14±2 days in culture, the cultured hMSCs are harvested (e.g., after about 42 to about 56 days total over two passages). Each CF is processed as set forth in Example 9 through Example 10, using Plasma-Lyte® A containing about 1% Human Serum Albumin as a stop solution. The trypsinized-stopped cell suspensions of several CFs can be pooled before washing.

Example 14 Preparing an In-Process Intermediate

Based on the cell yield calculated from the harvest, the pooled “Washed hMSCs”, are concentrated or diluted to obtain an in-process intermediate formulation containing about 6.0 million cells/mL, for example, in a wash solution such as about 1% HSA in Plasma-Lyte® A. The in-process intermediate is a clinical scale MSC preparation that provides a standardized formulation for sample analysis or cryopreservation before further expansion, if desired, or before administration to a patient as therapy.

Samples for sterility, endotoxin, adventitious viruses (DNA PCR and RNA PCR detection), and phenotype lot release testing are obtained from the formulation.

The in-process intermediate is diluted with an equal volume (1:1) of cryoprotectant solution containing about 20% DMSO and about 9% HSA in Plasma-Lyte®A. The in-process intermediate has now been diluted to about 3.0 million cells/mL in approximately 10% DMSO and approximately 5% HSA in Plasma-Lyte® A.

Samples for potency, cell line species identity, human karyotyping, and ultrastructural evaluation of cell culture for viral particles (transmission electron microscopy or “TEM”) for lot release testing are then obtained from the in-process intermediate.

Example 15 Cryopreservation and Storage

A number of Cryocyte™ (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.) bags (between about 100 to about 300, e.g. about 200) are filled, each with a 15 mL volume of the in-process intermediate. Each bag now contains about 45 million MSCs in about 5% HSA, about 10% DMSO in Plasma-Lyte®A (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.). The in-process intermediate is then placed into a secondary packaging container (e.g. a Custom Biogenic Systems aluminum canister/cassette) that is designed to enclose and protect the Cryocyte™ bag. Once in the cassette, the in-process intermediate is cryopreserved in a Cryomed controlled-rate freezer. Following completion of the freezing program, the frozen bags are then transferred from the Cryomed® (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) and placed into a LN₂ cryofreezer.

Before freezing, a sample is obtained for sterility, endotoxin, appearance, and cell viability (post-thaw) testing. The in-process intermediate is screened for acceptance by each of the tests listed in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Preparation Screen DS Test Name DS Sample Point DS Specification Sterility 2X DCB Formulation- Negative (2X DCB Formulation) Harvest Mycoplasma PTC 2X DCB Formulation- Negative Harvest Phenotype (FACS) CD166 1X DCB Formulation- ≧95% CD166 Harvest Phenotype (FACS) CD105 1X DCB Formulation- ≧95% CD105 Harvest Phenotype (FACS) CD45 1X DCB Formulation- ≦1.25% CD45 Harvest Detection of HCV RNA by 2X DCB Formulation- Negative RT-qPCR Harvest Detection of CMV DNA by 2X DCB Formulation- Negative qPCR Harvest Detection of EBV DNA by 2X DCB Formulation- Negative qPCR Harvest Detection of HBV DNA by 2X DCB Formulation- Negative qPCR Harvest Detection of HHV-6 Variant 2X DCB Formulation- Negative A and Variant B DNA by Harvest qPCR Detection of HHV-8 DNA 2X DCB Formulation- Negative by qPCR Harvest Detection of HIV-1 DNA by 2X DCB Formulation- Negative qPCR Harvest Detection of HIV-2 DNA by 2X DCB Formulation- Negative qPCR Harvest Detection of HTLV 1 & II 2X DCB Formulation- Negative DNA by qPCR Harvest Detection of Parvovirus B- 2X DCB Formulation- Negative 19 DNA by qPCR Harvest Detection of HPV 18 DNA 2X DCB Formulation- Negative by qPCR Harvest In-Vivo Assay for Viral 2X DCB Formulation + Negative Contaminants (USFDA): Spent Medium-Harvest Mouse and Egg In-Vitro Assay for Detection 2X DCB Formulation + Negative of Adventitious Viral Spent Medium-Harvest Contaminants: MRC-5, VERO, Hs68 Cells Thin Section Electron 2X DCB Formulation + Negative Microscopy for Detection of Cryoprotectant-Harvest Viral Particles Cell Line Species Identity by 2X DCB Formulation + Human Cell Line Isoenzyme Electrophoresis Cryoprotectant-Harvest Karyology-Cell Culture 2X DCB Formulation + No Chromosomal Cryoprotectant-Harvest Abnormalities Sterility DS Packaged Donor Cell Negative (Packaged Dose) Bank Endotoxin DS Packaged Donor Cell ≦1.67 EU/mL (Packaged Dose) Bank Potency (TNF RI) 1X DCB Formulation- ≧39 pg/mL (13 pg/ Harvest million cells) Potency (IL-2Rα) 1X DCB Formulation- ≧30% Inhibition of IL- Harvest 2Rα Expression Appearance DS Packaged Donor Cell Pass: Opaque contents, Bank off-white to pale amber in color

Example 16 Thawing of the In-Process Intermediate

The in-process intermediate is selected for further culture expansion. Each of the bags is thawed and processed, alone or simultaneously with the others, and processed by the steps that follow. The bag is diluted with DMEM containing about 10% FBS. A sample is taken from the bag for a cell count and cell viability assessment, and then hMSCs are transferred from the bag into 1.5 L of culture medium.

Example 17 Third Passage

The Culture Media containing hMSCs are seeded into a CF. The CF is then placed in an about 37±1° C. and about 5±2% CO₂ incubator and maintained with media feeds, as set forth in Example 7, for approximately 14±2 days.

Example 18 Fourth Passage

After approximately 14 days±2, the P3 culture is split (e.g., into approximately six CFs, or optionally approximately eight CFs) for the fourth passage (P4).

Example 19 Passaging

Each of the CFs (e.g., six CFs) is passaged as set forth in Example 9 through Example 11. The trypsinized-stopped cell suspensions of several CFs can be pooled before washing.

Example 20 Fifth Passage

After approximately 14±2 days (Day 28) in culture, the P4 cultures (e.g., six cultures) are split (e.g., into 40 CFs) for the fifth passage (P5).

Example 21 Passaging

Each of the CFs is passaged as set forth in Example 9 through Example 11, except that the CFs are cultured for 9 to 12 days. The trypsinized-stopped cell suspensions of several CFs can be pooled before washing.

Example 22 Pre-Harvest

After approximately 9 to approximately 12 days in culture (Day 42), the cultured hMSCs are harvested.

Example 23 Harvesting

A harvest is performed, as set forth in Example 13, except that the harvest is performed after 9 to 12 days, as detailed above.

Example 24 Formulating an MSC Preparation for Therapy or Storage

Based on the cell yield calculated from the harvest, the pooled “Washed hMSCs” are either concentrated or diluted to obtain a formulation containing about 16.6 million cells/mL. If the pooled “Washed hMSCs” are concentrated, the cells are spun down and the excess volume is removed. If the pooled “Washed hMSCs” are diluted, the required volume of Wash/Stop Solution (about 1% HSA in Plasma-Lyte®A) is added to get the desired concentration. A sample for phenotype and residuals (BSA and trypsin) testing are obtained from the formulation.

The formulation is then diluted with an equal volume (1:1) of cryoprotectant solution containing about 20% DMSO and about 9% HSA in Plasma-Lyte®A. The formulation now contains a concentration of about 8.3 million cells/mL (in approximately 10% DMSO and approximately 5% HSA in Plasma-Lyte A).

A sample for potency testing is obtained from the diluted formulation.

Example 25 Cryopreserving and Storage

The MSC preparation is then filled into a number of Cryocyte™ bags to a volume of about 15 mL/bag (e.g., about 8,000 bags in total, or optionally about 10,000 bags in total). Each bag of the MSC preparation has a final formulation of about 125×10⁶ hMSCs (at least about 100×10⁶ viable hMSCs after a freeze-thaw cycle) in Plasma-Lyte®A containing a concentration of about 5% HSA and about 10% DMSO per bag. Bags of the MSC preparation are then placed into a secondary container (a Custom Biogenic Systems aluminum canister/cassette) that is designed to enclose and protect the Cryocyte™ bag. Once in the cassette, the MSC preparation is cryopreserved in a controlled rate freezer (Cryomed®, Thermal Scientific, Rockford, Ill.). Following completion of the freezing program, the frozen bags are then transferred from the Cryomed® (Thermal Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) and placed into LN₂ cryofreezers. A sample bag is obtained for sterility, endotoxin, appearance and cell viability (post-thaw) lot release testing.

Example 26 MSC Preparation Acceptance for Therapy

The MSC preparation remains in “quarantine” pending testing and release. The MSC preparation passes each of the tests listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Preparation Screen Test Name Sample Point Description Specification Sterility Pooled Direct Inoculation Negative (Pooled Suspension Method Suspension) Bulk-Harvest Mycoplasma Pooled Points to Negative (PTC) Suspension Consider Bulk-Harvest Phenotype DP Formulation Flow Cytometry ≧95% CD166 (FACS) CD166 Harvest Phenotype DP Formulation- Flow Cytometry ≧95% CD105 (FACS) CD105 Harvest Phenotype DP Formulation- Flow Cytometry ≦0.75% CD45 (FACS) CD45 Harvest Sterility DP Direct Inoculation Negative (Packaged Dose) Method Endotoxin DP Chromogenic ≦1.67 EU/mL (Packaged Dose) Kinetic Method Viability (Post DP Flow Cytometry ≧70% Thaw) Residual BSA 2X DP ELISA ≦10 μg/mL Formulation Residual 2X DP ELISA ≦30 μg/mL Trypsin Formulation Potency (TNF DP Formulation- ELISA Min: ≧108 pg/mL RI) Harvest (13 pg/million cells) Max: ≦368 pg/mL (44 pg/million cells) Potency (IL- DP Formulation- ELISA ≧30% Inhibition of 2Rα) Harvest IL-2Rα expression Appearance DP Macroscopic Pass: Opaque Assessment contents, off-white to pale amber in color, no particulates/fibers, no cell clumping observed, package integrity must be intact.

Example 27 Evaluation of Passage Number

The number of cells harvested per donor is correlated with the number of passages during culture expansion. Although cells from any passage can be formulated for therapy, it has been surprisingly discovered that limiting the number of passages, for example, to less than any of about 14, about 10, about 8, or about 6 passages, provides preparations with a superior safety profile. By the end of the process set forth in Example 1 through Example 23, there are approximately 22 to approximately 25 (e.g., 25) population doublings. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that limiting the number of passages minimizes the risk of spontaneous genetic transformations.

Example 28 Evaluation of Washing Protocol

Based on low post-thaw cell viabilities observed in a development study, changes were made in the CytoMate® (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.) cell washing process to improve cell viability and cell recovery post-thaw. The old standard procedure to be improved upon here used a CytoMate® (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.) programmed to wash all three collection bags serially. The time required to complete the entire wash cycle was three times longer than the time required to wash the contents of one individual collection bag. Surprisingly, it was discovered here that standard shear forces experienced by the cells during washing reduced cell viability and resilience to cryopreservation.

In the new procedure, the contents of the cell factories harvested at each passage are transferred into collection bags for cell washing. An automated cell washer (CytoMate® (Baxter, Deerfield, Ill.)) is used during processing to provide consistent, automated cell washing. The change in the washing process was to wash one collection bag at a time, and after completion of its wash cycle, transfer the contents of the washed cells to a “Washed hMSC” collection (or holding) bag. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that this modification to the process reduced the cell wash exposure time per collection bag by one third, thus protecting the cells from unnecessary handling and exposure to the shear forces of cell washing.

Example 29 Evaluation of Freezing Protocol

Based on low post-thaw cell viabilities observed in a development study, changes in the Cryomed® (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) freezing process were made to ensure good cell viability and cell recovery post-thaw. Surprisingly, standard procedures previously used for freezing MSC preparations resulted in unacceptable cell viability. Changes in the Cryomed® (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) freezing process included a modification to the freeze program so that it would closely mimic what is experienced by cells which are simply placed in an −80° C. freezer inside an insulated container. These modifications raised cell viability post-thaw by approximately 20%.

In manufacturing, a Cryomed® (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) freezer is used at the time of harvest to provide controlled-rate freezing of the cells to ≦−80° C. prior to the transfer to a LN₂ freezer (≦−135° C.). In development and research, small scale samples were initially frozen directly in a −80° C. inside an insulated container, and then transferred to a LN₂ freezer (≦135° C.). It was noted that these samples had consistently high viability. A study was conducted to map the temperature profile under these conditions. This temperature profile was then programmed into the Cryomed® (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) freezer and tested. The effect was a more gradual temperature transition to the final freezing temperature. This change was found to improve cell viability and was incorporated into the current Cryomed® (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.) freezing process used in manufacturing.

Example 30 Production of Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Through Passage 2

Multiple clinical scale preparations were produced, each by the method set forth in Example 1 through Example 15 to produce a collection of preparations. Each MSC preparation contained about 4.5×10⁹ to about 6.3×10⁹ cells (about 30 to about 50 doses), for example about 5.5×10⁹ cells derived from a single donor with an average of 5 population doublings compared to the P0 culture. After thawing, a sample from each preparation was tested for antigen profile, TNFRI profile, cell viability, and capacity for differentiation.

As shown in Table 6, each preparation in the collection had an antigen profile of less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells. Also as shown in Table 6, each preparation in the collection had a TNFRI profile of at least about 13 pg TNFRI per million cells. Each preparation had a cell viability of at least about 70% (data not shown). Cells from each preparation were tested and determined to have a capacity for chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis.

The antigen profile of MSCs was assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. The assay used a single-antibody approach and generated data reflecting expression of the three markers individually (CD45−, CD105+, and CD166+). CD45 (LCA) is a marker for cells of hematopoietic origin, while CD105 (endoglin) and CD166 (ALCAM) are markers for MSCs. The MSC samples were labeled with commercial fluorescent antibodies to the cell surface markers, then washed, fixed and subjected to flow cytometric analysis. An isotype antibody negative control was also run at the same time. The MSC phenotype profile was determined using CELLQuest software (Becton, Dickinson and Company, San Jose Calif.). The cells were first identified on the basis of light scatter properties (forward scatter for size and side scatter for internal granularity), while marker expression was assessed through fluorescence from the bound antibodies. In the forward scatter versus side scatter dot blot for the unstained control, the main dot cluster was positioned at the center of the side scatter axis by adjusting the side scatter voltage control. The acquisition gate, defined by the R1 region, was subsequently adjusted to ensure that the main dot cluster is completely enclosed within the R1 region. The data acquisition process involved the accumulation of 10,000 events. When the analysis of the unstained control was complete, the isotype antibody negative control was analyzed using the acquisition parameters that were defined for the unstained control. The CD166, CD105, and CD45 test samples were analyzed using the same approach. The fluorescence threshold for positive marker expression was defined using the isotype antibody negative control, which was adjusted so that at least about 99.50% of the negative control cells were identified as “negative”. This threshold was used to measure the percentage of positive cells for each of the three cell surface markers independently.

Cell viability was assessed by a flow cytometry of fluorescently stained cells, based on differential staining of viable and non-viable cells on their respective permeabilities to DNA-binding dyes in a proprietary reagent (Viacount™, Guava Technologies, Millipore, Billerica, Calif.). The stained sample was analyzed on a Guava PCA flow cytometer and the Guava CytoSoft software package (Millipore, Billerica, Calif.). The Guava PCA uses a 532 nm diode laser to excite the dyes, whose fluorescence is detected by photomultipliers (PM: PM1 detects the viability dye emission at 580 nm; PM2 detects nuclear dye emission at 675 nm), while a photodiode measures forward light scatter (FSC). The fluorescence signal was resolved, allowing quantitation of the viable and non-viable cell populations from cellular debris in the test article.

To test for osteogenic differentiation, about 3×10⁴ hMSCs were seeded onto 35 mm dishes in medium (DMEM, 10% FBS). After 24 hours, the medium was replaced with osteogenic assay medium (DMEM, 10% FBS, 50 mM ascorbate 2-phosphate, 10 mM β-glycerol phosphate, 0.1 mM dexamethasone), which was replaced every three to four days during the 17-day period of the assay. At the end of culture period MSC osteogenic differentiation was assessed using von Kossa staining and by measurement of calcium accumulation in cells. Selected specimens were subsequently stained for mineral by the von Kossa method. Cell layers were fixed with 10% formalin for 1 hour, incubated with 2% (w/v) silver nitrate solution for 10 minutes in the dark, washed thoroughly with deionized water and then exposed to bright light for 15 minutes. For the calcium assay, cell layers were rinsed twice with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) and scraped off the dish in 0.5N Hydrochloric acid. Calcium was then extracted from the cell layers by shaking for 4 hours at 4° C. followed by centrifugation at 1,000×g for 5 minutes. The calcium content of the resulting supernatant was determined according to the manufacturer's instructions for Sigma kit #587-A. Absorbance of samples was measured at 575 nm using a Beckman spectrophotometer. Total calcium in samples was calculated using standards assayed in parallel and expressed as μg per dish.

To test for chondrogenic differentiation, chondrogenic differentiation was induced by gently pelleting about 2.5×10⁵ hMSCs in defined chondrogenic medium (high-glucose DMEM, ITS⁺ supplement (Becton-Dickinson), 0.1 mM dexamethasone, 10 ng/mL TGF-β3, 50 μg/mL ascorbate 2-phosphate, 2 mM pyruvate+antibiotics) in a 15 mL conical tube. The pellet culture was then incubated at 37° C. for 1 to 4 weeks with medium replacement every 2 to 3 days. At harvest, the pellets were gently fixed in 4% formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, and then sections cut and analyzed. Type II collagen was detected by immunohistochemical methods. Sections were also stained for proteoglycans using Toluidine Blue and Safronin O.

To test for adipogenic differentiation, adipogenic differentiation was induced by adding adipogenic induction medium (DMEM, 10% FBS, 1 mM dexamethasone, 0.5 mM methyl-isobutylxanthine, 0.2 mM indomethecin, 10 μg/mL insulin and antibiotics) to hMSCs previously grown for several days after reaching confluency. After induction, the media was changed to adipogenic maintenance media (DMEM, 10% FBS, 10 μg/mL insulin and antibiotics) and the culture grown for a further 1 week. Lipid vacuoles in cells differentiated into adipocytes were detected by Oil Red O.

For the TNFRI assay, MSC samples were processed to lyse the cells and release TNFRI into solution. An ELISA method was used to quantify TNFRI using a commercially available kit. This kit allowed for the measurement of both cell-associated TNFRI, and soluble TNFRI that has been shed from cell surface. The assay employed a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Samples were added to a microplate that had been precoated with a monoclonal antibody specific for human TNFRI. TNFRI present in standards and samples was captured by the immobilized anti-TNFRI antibody. After repeated washing to remove unbound extraneous material, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibody specific for TNFRI was added. Following incubation, a wash was done to remove unbound antibody-enzyme reagent, and then a substrate solution was added and color develops in proportion to the amount of TNFRI bound to the microplate. The color development was stopped at a specified time point and the intensity of the color is measured using a microplate spectrophotometer. Quantitation was achieved by comparing the signal of unknowns to TNF RI standards assayed at the same time. Although quantification using this assay provides units of pg TNFRI/ml, the amount of TNFRI relative to the number of MSCs (‘potency’) can be obtained by calculating the concentration of MSCs before lysis.

TABLE 6 Clinical scale MSC preparations produced through passage 2 Expected Test Sampling Test Method Results Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3 Lot 4 Lot 5 Lot 6 Date of Manufacture 25 AUG. 2005 26 AUG. 2005 8 SEP. 2005 29 AUG. 2005 30 AUG. 2005 9 SEP. 2005 Phenotype 2X DCB FACS ≧95% CD105 99.22% CD105 99.28% CD105 99.42% CD105 96.72% CD105 98.05% CD105 99.42% CD105 Formulation G-SOP-Q0007 ≧95% CD166 99.23% CD166 99.35% CD166 99.39% CD166 98.37% CD166 97.35% CD166 99.40% CD166 ≦1.25% CD45 0.27% CD45 0.00% CD45 0.02% CD45 0.10% CD45 0.10% CD45 0.01% CD45 TNF RI DCB Sandwich ≧108 pg/mL¹ 430 pg/mL 579 pg/mL 453 pg/mL 602 pg/mL 537 pg/mL 372 pg/mL Formulation ELISA Cell Line Species Identity DCB Isoenzyme human cell line human cell line human cell line human cell line human cell line human cell line human cell line Formulation electrophoresis Karyology DCB cytogenic no no no no no no no Formulation evaluation chromosomal chromosomal chromosomal chromosomal chromosomal chromosomal chromosomal abnormalities abnormalities abnormalities abnormalities abnormalities abnormalities abnormalities Sterility 2X DCB USP <71> Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Direct Method packaged DCB (post thaw) Mycoplasma pooled 1993 FDA PTC Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative suspension (Indirect and Direct method) Endotoxin 2X DCB USP <85> 1.67 EU/mL pass pass pass pass pass pass Formulation (LAL: kinetic packaged DCB chromogenic) (post thaw) Ultrastructural Evaluation DCB Thin Section Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative of Cell Cultures Formulation TEM for Viral Particles In Vitro Assay for pooled MRC-5, Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Detection of Adventitious suspension VERO, and Hs68 cells Virus Contaminants In Vitro Assay for pooled USFDA Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Detection of Adventitious suspension Virus Contaminants Detection of HTLV I & II 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of Human HBV 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of Human CMV 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of Human EBV 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of HHV-6A and 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative HHV-6B Formulation Detection of HIV-1 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of HIV-2 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of Parvovirus B-19 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of HCV 2X DCB qRT-PCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation Detection of Human DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Papilloma Virus (HPV) Formulation Detection of HHV-8 2X DCB DNA qPCR Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Formulation

Example 31 Production of Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Through Passage 2

A collection of clinical scale preparations were produced and analyzed, as in Example 30. The results are depicted in Table 7, Table 8, and Table 9. As depicted, each preparation in the collection had an antigen profile of less than 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least 95% CD105+ cells, and at least 95% CD166+ cells. Also as depicted, each preparation in the collection had a TNFRI profile of at least 13 pg TNFRI per million cells. Each preparation was tested and determined to have a cell viability of at least 70% (data not shown).

TABLE 7 Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Produced Through Passage 2 FACS FACS FACS IL- Mycoplasma CD166 CD105 CD45 Endotoxin³ TNF RI 2Ra P2 Lot Sterility¹ PTC (%) (%) (%) Sterility² (EU/mL) (pg/mL) (%) Appearance Number Negative Negative ≧95% ≧95% ≦1.25% Negative ≦1.67 ≧39 ≧30% Pass⁴  7 Negative Negative  99% 99% 0.00% Negative <0.100/<0.100 80 55% Pass  8 Negative Negative  99% 99% 0.00% Negative <0.100 76 60% Pass  8⁵ Positive N/A  99% 99% 0.40% Positive <1.00/<1.00 88 N/A Pass  9⁵ Negative Negative  99% 99% 0.00% Positive <1.00/<1.00 87 N/A Pass 10 Negative Negative  99% 99% 0.19% Negative <0.100/<0.100 100 57% Pass 11 Negative Negative 100% 99% 0.00% Negative <0.100/<0.100 100 63% Pass 12 Negative Negative  99% 97% 0.00% Negative, <0.100/<0.100 126 57% Pass Negative 13 Negative Negative  99% 98% 0.00% Negative, <0.100/<0.100 111 57% Pass Negative 14 Negative Negative  99% 98% 0.00% Negative, <0.100/<0.100 121 69% Pass Negative 15 Negative Negative  99% 99% <0.50% Negative <0.100/<0.100 111 70% Pass 16 Negative Negative  99% 99% <0.50% Negative <0.100 114 71% Pass 17⁵ Negative Negative  99% 99% <0.50% Negative <1.00 112 76% Pass 18 Negative Negative  99% 99% <0.50% Negative   0.177 128 83% Pass ¹Sterility testing is performed on the P2 2X intermediate Formulation sample. ²Sterility testing is performed on the final P2 packaged dose. Multiple test results indicate two bags were pulled for testing: one from controlled rate freezer #1 and one from controlled rate freezer #2. Both results must be negative for the lot to meet the sterility criterion. ³Endotoxin testing is performed on the final P2 packaged dose. Multiple test results indicate two bags were pulled for testing-one from controlled rate freezer #1 and one from controlled rate freezer #2. Both results must be ≦1.67 EU/mL for the P2 lot to meet the endotoxin criterion. ⁴Pass = Opaque contents, off-white to pale amber in color. ⁵N/A = Not applicable, no samples were available for testing due to microbial contamination.

TABLE 8 Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Produced Through Passage 2 HHV-6 Variant A and P2 Lot HCV CMV EBV HBV Variant B HHV-8 HIV-1 HIV-2 Number Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative  7 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative  8 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative  9¹ N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 11 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 12 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 13 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 14 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 15 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 16 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 17 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 18¹ Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative 19 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative ¹N/A = Not applicable, no samples available for testing.

TABLE 9 Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Produced Through Passage 2 In-Vitro Thin Assay for Section In-Vivo Adventitious Electron Assay Viral Microscopy Cell Lines for Viral Contaminants for Identity by Contaminants (MRC-5, Detection Isoenzyme Karyology HTLV Parvovirus (mouse and VERO, Hs68 of Viral Electrophoresis No P2 Lot I & II B-19 HPV 18 egg) Cells) Particles Human Cell Chromosomal Number Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Lines Abnormalities  7 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities  8 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities  9¹ N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 11 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 12 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 13 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 14 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 15 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 16 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 17 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities 18¹ Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell Clonal Lines Chromosome Abnormalities 19 Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Human Cell No Lines Chromosomal Abnormalities ¹N/A = Not applicable, no test samples available for testing.

Example 32 Production of Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Through Passage 5

Multiple clinical scale preparations were produced, each by the method set forth in Example 1 through Example 26, to produce a collection of preparations. Each preparation contained about 1×10¹² MSCs (up to about 8,000 doses after a freeze-thaw cycle) derived from a single donor with an average of about 12.5 population doublings compared to the PO culture, or 25 total doublings. After thawing, a sample from each preparation was tested for antigen profile, TNFRI profile, cell viability, and capacity for differentiation. With the exception of TNFRI profile, each test was performed in the same manner described in Example 30. For the TNFRI profile, a TNFRI assay was performed in the same manner described in Example 30, and an assay of IL-2Ra expression inhibition was also determined as described below.

Inhibition of IL-2Ra expression on T-cells was determined by co-culturing MSCs with CD3/CD28-activated hPBMCs for 3 days, the time corresponding to the maximal level of IL-2Rα expression by the T-cell population in hPBMCs. The ratio of hMSCs to hPBMCs is 1:5, which was the optimal ratio identified for hMSC-mediated inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation tests. After incubation, cells were collected and lysed. The level of IL-2Rα in cell lysates was measured by ELISA. Results were expressed as % inhibition of IL-2Rα expression on CD3/CD28-stimulated hPBMCs by hMSCs relative to the control CD3/CD28 hPBMC cultured without hMSCs.

As shown in Table 10, each preparation in the collection had an antigen profile of less than 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least 95% CD105+ cells, and at least 95% CD166+ cells. Also as shown in Table 10, each preparation in the collection had a TNFRI profile of 13 to 179 pg TNFRI per million cells and inhibited IL-2Ra expression by at least 20% (at least 30%). Also as shown in Table 10, at least 70% (at least 80%) of the cells in each preparation were viable. Cells from each preparation had a capacity for chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis (data not shown).

TABLE 10 Clinical scale MSC preparations produced through passage 5 Manu- fac- turing Test Test Step Method 20* 21* 22* 23* 24* 25* DCB Derived From Lot 2 Lot 2 Lot 2 Lot 5 Lot 5 Lot 5 Date of Manufacture 10 MAR. 2006 17 MAR. 2006 21 MAR. 2006 20 FEB. 2007 22 FEB. 2007 23 FEB. 2007 Manufacturer OTI OTI OTI LONZA LONZA LONZA Sterility pooled Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative suspension packaged Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative PD (post-thaw) Myco- pooled Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative plasma suspension Endotoxin pooled ≦1.67 <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 <0.050 suspension EU/mL packaged <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.050 <0.050 PD (post-thaw) Viability packaged ≧70% 88 84 86 92 94.8 86 PD viable (post-thaw) cells Phenotype 2X PD   ≧95% ≧98.91% ≧98.17% ≧98.52% ≧99.53% ≧99.52% ≧99.602% CD105 CD105 CD105 CD105 CD105 CD105 CD105 (Identity/ Formu-   ≧95% ≧98.49% ≧95.59% ≧97.84% ≧98.95% ≧99.51% ≧99.47% lation CD166 CD166 CD166 CD166 CD166 CD166 CD166 Purity) ≦1.25%  ≦0.00%  ≦0.04%  ≦0.45%  ≦0.03%  ≦0.00%  ≦0.00% CD45** CD45 CD45 CD45 CD45 CD45 CD45 TNFRI PD Min: 272 961 900 963 995 1269 1162 (potency) Formu- pg/mL** lation Max: 1471 pg/mL IL-2Ra PD ≧30% (potency) Formu- inhibition N/A N/A N/A 34 58 62 lation of II-2Ra expression Residual PD 2X ≦10.0 3.0 1.08 3.05 3.11 5.60 2.59 BSA Formu- ug/mL** lation Residual PD 2X ≦30.0 * 21.21 21.3 <14.4 <14.4 14.4 <14.4 Trypsin Formu- ug/mL* lation Appear- Pack- Opaque, N/A N/A N/A Pass Pass Pass ance** aged PD off-white (cells (post thaw) to pale in bag) amber, no fine particulates, no cell clumping***

Example 33 Production of Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Through Passage 5

A collection of clinical scale preparations were produced and analyzed, as in Example 32.

Table 11 depicts the results of the preparation screen for the properties listed in Table 12 and the population density in the CFs. As depicted in Table 11, all preparations successfully analyzed passed the examplary release criteria.

As depicted in Table 12, each preparation in the collection had an antigen profile of less than 1.25% CD45+ cells, at least 95% CD105+ cells, and at least 95% CD166+ cells.

Also as depicted in Table 12, each preparation in the collection had a TNFRI profile of at least 13 pg TNFRI per million cells.

Also as depicted Table 12, each preparation in the collection had a TNFRI profile of at least 13 pg TNFRI per million cells and inhibited IL-2Ra expression by at least about 20% (at least about 30%). Each preparation had a cell viability of at least about 70% (at least about 80%).

In order to determine if preparations could consistently be produced, the variance and standard deviation in the antigen profile, TNFRI profile, and cryopreservation profile were calculated as measures of deviation within the collection set forth in Table 12. The results are shown at the end of Table 12. As seen in Table 12, there is minimal deviation in the profiles (note that the cutoff value (preceded by a “<” symbol) was used for deviation calculation in certain instances where actual values were not determined).

TABLE 11 Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Through Passage 5 P2 Lot Released if Average Total Used to lot meets Viable Cells/Cell P5 Lot Manufacture examplary Factory at Number DP criteria Harvest 26 7 Released 174 × 10⁶ 27 14 Released 168 × 10⁶ 28 14 Released 191 × 10⁶ 29 13 Released 122 × 10⁶ 30 13 Released 156 × 10⁶ 31 13 Released 181 × 10⁶ 32 13 N/A N/A 33 13 N/A N/A 34 14 Released 179 × 10⁶ 35 14 Released 121 × 10⁶ 36 14 Released 151 × 10⁶ 37 14 Released 121 × 10⁶ 38 14 Released 164 × 10⁶ 39 14 Released 164 × 10⁶ 40 14 Released 172 × 10⁶ 41 14 Released 201 × 10⁶ 42 14 Released 160 × 10⁶ 43 14 Released 142 × 10⁶ 44 14 Released 210 × 10⁶ 45 14 Released 237 × 10⁶ 46 14 Released 195 × 10⁶ 47 14 Released 173 × 10⁶ 48 14 Released 190 × 10⁶ 49 14 Released 168 × 10⁶ 50 14 Released 173 × 10⁶ 51 14 Released 162 × 10⁶ 52 8 Released 147 × 10⁶ 53 14 Released 169 × 10⁶ 54 14 Released 147 × 10⁶ 55 14 Released 166 × 10⁶ P5 lots 32 and 33 were rejected prior to harvest due to an in process error. No QC samples were generated.

TABLE 12 Clinical Scale MSC Preparations Produced Through Passage 5 Endotoxin Residual BSA Residual Trypsin TNF RI Mycoplasma FACS FACS FACS (EU/mL) Post Thaw (μg/mL) (μg/mL) (pg/mL) Sterility¹ PTC CD166 (%) CD105 (%) CD45 (%) Sterility² ≦1.67 Viability (%) ≦10 ≧30 Min: 108 IL-2Ra (%) Appearance P5 Lot Number Negative Negative ≧95% ≧95% ≦0.75% Negative EU/mL ≧70% μg/mL μg/mL Max: 368 ≧30% Pass³ 26 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative 0.421 96 2 <28.8 179 75 Pass 27 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 92 2 <14.4 217 76 Pass 28 Negative Negative 99 99 0.71 Negative <0.250 92 1 <14.4 252 79 Pass 29 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 92 1 <28.8 297 77 Pass 30 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 93 2 <14.4 232 76 Pass 31 Negative Negative 98 99 0.67 Negative <0.250 93 2 <14.4 252 76 Pass 34 Negative Negative 98 96 0.55 Negative <0.250 93 1 <14.4 247 80 Pass 35 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 91 1 <14.4 340 75 Pass 36 Negative Negative 95 96 <0.50 Negative <0.250 90 1 <14.4 314 79 Pass 37 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 86 2 <14.4 270 79 Pass 38 Negative Negative 97 97 <0.50 Negative <0.250 83 2 <14.4 318 78 Pass 39 Negative Negative 97 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 87 1 <14.4 286 79 Pass 40 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 86 2 <14.4 299 78 Pass 41 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 90 1 <14.4 240 82 Pass 42 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 90 2 <14.4 286 74 Pass 43 Negative Negative 97 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 88 2 <14.4 321 67 Pass 44 Negative Negative 97 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 87 2 <14.4 340 74 Pass 45 Negative Negative 97 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 89 2 <14.4 336 77 Pass 46 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative 0.286 91 2 <14.4 340 78 Pass 47 Negative Negative 98 99 <0.50 Negative 0.302 80 2 <14.4 299 75 Pass 48 Negative Negative 98 98 <0.50 Negative <1.00 85 2 <28.8 314 85 Pass 49 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative 0.550 93 2 <14.4 335 76 Pass 50 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative 0.730 90 3 <28.8 306 85 Pass 51 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 92 3 <14.4 304 79 Pass 52 N/A Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 94 2 <14.4 300 67 Pass 53 Negative Negative 97 98 <0.50 Negative <0.250 94 2 <14.4 323 78 Pass 54 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative 0.370 91 3 <14.4 301 81 Pass 55 Negative Negative 98 99 0.64 Negative <0.250 93 4 <14.4 328 71 Pass 56 Negative Negative 98 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 92 3 <14.4 277 68 Pass 57 Negative Negative 98 99 <0.50 Negative 0.365 93 4 <14.4 313 71 Pass 58 Negative Negative 99 100 <0.50 Negative 0.536 91 3 <14.4 330 69 Pass 59 Negative Negative 95 96 <0.50 Negative <0.250 88 2 <14.4 334 67 Pass 60 Negative Negative 99 100 <0.50 Negative <0.250 94 3 <14.4 273 66 Pass 61 Negative Negative 99 100 <0.50 Negative <0.250 86 2 <28.8 333 76 Pass 62 Negative Negative 99 99 <0.50 Negative <0.250 92 3 <14.4 359 75 Pass Variance 1.087395 1.011765 0.002524 12.16471 0.633613 1648.706 23.99664 Standard Dev 1.042782 1.005865 0.05024  3.487794 0.795998 40.60426  4.898636

Example 34 Analysis of Profile Deviation

In order to determine if preparations could consistently be produced, the variance and standard deviation in the antigen profile, TNFRI profile, and cryopreservation profile were calculated as measures of deviation within the collection set forth in Table 10. The results are shown in Table 13. As seen in Table 13, there is minimal deviation in the profiles.

TABLE 13 Consistent Production of MSC Preparations TNFRI Profile Cryopreservation Antigen Profile % IL-2Ra Profile Preparation % CD105+ % CD166+ % CD45+ TNFRI inhibition % Viability 20 98.91 98.49 0.00 961 NA 88 21 98.17 95.59 0.04 900 NA 84 22 98.52 97.84 0.45 963 NA 86 23 99.53 98.95 0.03 995 34 92 24 99.52 99.51 0.00 1,269 58 94.8 25 99.60 99.47 0.00 1,192 62 86 Variance  0.31  1.81 0.027 18,200 152.9 14.2 Standard  0.552347  1.34455 0.163 134.8 12.36 3.76 Dev

Example 35 Consistent Proliferation

An analysis of cellular proliferation was used to assess process consistency, although cells from different donors will have different proliferation potential. The evaluation of the total cells harvested for each MSC preparation also allows for the identification of any out of trend values. One measure of process consistency is the number of cells per CF, since it reflects the uniformity of the process performance. However, due the inherent biological variability of the preparation of a cellular product, the process will always be subject to a certain level of variability.

The number of cells recovered per CF was evaluated at two passages during the manufacture of MSC preparations. The number of cells per CF after the third passage (see Example 17) and the fifth passage (see Example 23) for several MSC preparations is presented with descriptive statistics in Table 14. At P3, the average number of cells per CF was about 190 million, and the standard deviation was 67. At P5, the average number of cells per CF was about 166 million, and the standard deviation was 35.

TABLE 14 Cellular Proliferation Passage 3 Harvest (P3) Cells/CF (in (P5) Cells/CF (in PD Lot # DCB Lot # millions) millions) 63 63 238 154 64 63 116 141 65 63 116 126 66 63 315 148 67 63 157 117 68 63 154 141 69 2 122 188 70 1 71 162 71 1 143 140 72 3 118 124 73 3 134 102 74 2 163 189 75 2 229 238 76 2 229 197 77 2 246 208 78 2 246 174 79 2 202 218 20 2 202 153 80 2 194 180 21 2 194 172 81 2 295 185 22 2 295 186 Mean 190 166 Std. Dev. 67 35

Example 36 Evaluation of Cryoprotectant Fill Time

Product formulation and bag fill time ranges for an examplary ex vivo cultured mesenchymal stem cells manufacturing process was performed to evaluate the effects of the cryoprotectant solution on cells to determine an examplary time range for formulation and fill prior to cryopreservation. Four time points were evaluated: 60, 90 (control), 150 and 240 minutes. At one day and thirty days post-cryopreservation, hMSCs were thawed and evaluated for viability (Table 15), phenotype (Table 16) and expression of TNFRI (potency) (Table 17) against this examplary acceptance criteria. Results of the study showed that cell quality is not affected, for example, when product formulation and fill occurs within 150 or 240 minutes prior to cryopreservation.

TABLE 15 Effect of Different Formulation/Fill Times on Post-Thaw Cell Viability Example Acceptance Post-Thaw Criteria for Post-Thaw Cell Cell Viability Time for Formulation/Fill Viability (%) (%) One Day Storage After Cryopreservation  60 minutes ≧70 87.3  90 minutes (control) ≧70 87.6 150 minutes ≧70 85.3 240 minutes ≧70 90.5 30 Days Storage After Cryopreservation  60 minutes ≧70 87.4  90 minutes (control) ≧70 80.3 150 minutes ≧70 92.1 240 minutes ≧70 88.8

TABLE 16 Effect of Different Formulation/Fill Times on Cell Phenotype Positively stained cells (%) Example Example Example CD166 (%) CD105 (%) CD45 (%) Time for Acceptance CD166 Acceptance CD105 Acceptance CD45 Formulation/Fill Criteria (%) Criteria (%) Criteria (%) One Day Storage After Cryopreservation  60 minutes ≧95 98.28 ≧95 99.07 ≦0.75 0.37  90 minutes ≧95 99.19 ≧95 99.47 ≦0.75 1.57x (control) 150 minutes ≧95 98.58 ≧95 99.08 ≦0.75 0.11 240 minutes ≧95 97.97 ≧95 98.99 ≦0.75 0.26 30 Days Storage After Cryopreservation  60 minutes ≧95 96.07 ≧95 98.08 ≦0.75 0  90 minutes ≧95 96.75 ≧95 98.81 ≦0.75 0.21 (control) 150 minutes ≧95 96.12 ≧95 98.56 ≦0.75 0 240 minutes ≧95 95.21 ≧95 98.62 ≦0.75 0 xInvestigation showed that the out of specification result was not a result of the test condition.

TABLE 17 Effect of Different Formulation/Fill Times on TNF RI Expression Example Acceptance Time Criteria TNF RI Expression for Formulation/Fill TNFRI (pg/mL) (pg/mL) One Day Storage After Cryopreservation  60 minutes 108 ≦ TNFRI ≦ 368 188  90 minutes (control) 280 150 minutes 258 240 minutes 267 30 Days Storage After Cryopreservation  60 minutes 108 ≦ TNFRI ≦ 368 318  90 minutes (control) 298 150 minutes 312 240 minutes 368

Example 37 Karyotyping

The karyotype of an hMSC sample is determined through examination of colcemid-arrested metaphase spreads. The hMSCs are cultured briefly, arrested with colcemid and processed. The cells are enlarged using a hypotonic HEPES buffered EGTA solution, fixed, and then the cells are enlarged using a hypotonic HEPES buffered EGTA solution, fixed, and then placed on microscope slides. The slides are aged overnight, treated with trypsin, and stained with Giemsa to produce G-banding. Typical G-banding should yield about 350-450 positive G bands. Standard evaluation includes enumeration of numerical and structural abnormalities (‘chromosomal abnormalities’), such as translocations, breaks, rings, markers and double-minutes, with at least 20 cells evaluated. Inversion, deletion, or translocation breakpoints are identified as per the ISCN 1995 International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature, when possible. At least two karyotypes per sample are prepared. Results of karyotyping show that examplary preparations of the present invention have no chromosomal abnormalities (Table 4, Table 6, and Table 9).

Example 38 Pathogen Contaminants

Testing for Adventitious Agents.

The preparations of the present invention can be made without being compromised by adventitious agents (pathogens). A useful preparation is optionally screened for the following pathogens.

Sterility.

The sterility of the test article is determined by the Direct Inoculation Method (Direct Method) in accordance with <USP 71> Sterility Test. The test conforms to the standard 14-day incubation period under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Fluid Thioglycollate Medium is used for the culture of anaerobic bacteria and Soybean-Casein Digest (SCD) Medium is used for both fungi and aerobic bacteria. A test Negative result is no growth of microorganisms after 14 days incubation. Validation of the test method includes the following strains of test microorganisms: FTM (anaerobic)—[B. subtillis (ATCC 6633, k. rhizophilia (ATCC 9341), and C. sporogenes (ATCC 11437)] and SCD (aeorobic and fungi)—[B. subtillis (ATCC 6633); C. albicans (ATCC 10231), and A. niger (ATCC 16404)].

Mycoplasma.

Both indirect and direct methods are used.

i. The indirect method allows visualization of mycoplasma in a co-cultured indicator cell line (Vero cells). The test article hMSCs are co-cultured with Vero cells on coverslips. Positive controls for the test are Vero cells inoculated with the Mycoplasma species M. hyorhinis and M. orale. The negative control is Vero cells inoculated with sterile broth. Mycoplasmas are identified by epiflorescent detection of a DNA-binding fluorochrome stain (Hoechst stain). In negative controls, only the Vero cell nucleus is stained, whereas in positive controls, both nuclear and extra-nuclear fluorescence is detected. Mycoplasma exhibit a staining pattern that differs from the host Vero cells, and consists of extra-nuclear staining of small round bodies of approximately 0.3 μm in diameter.

ii. The direct method allows detection of mycoplasma growth under aerobic and anaerobic conditions (broth culture flasks and agar plates, respectively). The agar and broth media supply nutrients and a source of carbon and energy necessary for mycoplasma growth. Positive controls consist of cultures inoculated with nonfermentative and fermentative mycoplasma species (M. orale and M. pneumoniae, respectively), while sterile broth serves as a negative control. Indicators of mycoplasma growth include change in color or turbidity of broth cultures, and growth of colonies with “fried egg” morphology on agar plates.

Negative results for mycoplasma contamination of the hMSC test sample are defined as results for both indirect and direct methods that resemble the respective negative controls. This test is governed by an OTI-approved protocol executed by an external testing laboratory (AppTec protocol 30055).

Endotoxin.

Endotoxin levels in the test article are determined by the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) method in accordance with <USP 85>. This test is a quantitative, chromogenic kinetic assay for the detection of gram-negative bacterial endotoxin. The concentration of endotoxin in the test article is calculated from a standard curve using a series of endotoxin standards. The assay is validated to ensure the test article does not inhibit or enhance detection of endotoxin. A positive product control (PPC) is included to ensure the sample dilution is valid.

Ultrastructural Evaluation of Cell Cultures for Viral Particles.

The ultrastructural morphology of an hMSC sample will be evaluated by thin-section transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the following:

Presence of a variety of viral types including retroviruses, herpesviruses, adenoviruses, picornaviruses, parvoviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, and reoviruses.

Presence of other microbial agents such as yeast, fungi or bacteria.

Incidence of specific retroviral morphologies (A-, B- C-, D- and R-type particles).

The test article is cultured briefly and the harvested. The cells are harvested, fixed, embedded, and sectioned for analysis by TEM. Two hundred cells are evaluated for any particle with virus-like morphology. A tabulation of retrovirus-like particles is undertaken. A blank water sample serves as the negative control.

In Vivo Test for Detection of Adventitious Viruses (Viral Contaminants)

The in-vivo viral test assay is designed to detect murine and non-murine viruses that would not be detected by the in vitro viral test. The assay sensitivity is increased by subpassage of materials from mice and eggs into new test systems. The test article is prepared as a clarified lysate supernatant and inoculated into the following:

Adult mice (intraperitoneal and intracerebral administration). Adult mice are susceptible to various viral agents (including coxsackieviruses, flaviviruses). Daily health observations of the adult mice are performed and they are sacrificed 21 days after inoculation, or possibly sooner if group mortality exceeds 20%.

Newborn suckling mice (intraperitoneal and intracerebral administration). Suckling mice are susceptible to various agents, including togaviruses, bunyaviruses, flaviviruses, picornaviruses, and herpes viruses. The newborn suckling mice are observed for 14 days post administration for ill effects, or possibly sooner if group mortality exceeds 20%. At that time the mice are sacrificed, their tissues pooled, and homogenized for subpassage into another set of newborn suckling mice through the same routes of administration. This group is monitored for 14 days. Animals found dead within 24 hours of injection have their tissues homogenized and sub-passaged into a fresh group of animals.

Embryonated hen eggs (allantois and yolk sac administration) is used to test for viruses. Inoculation via the allantois favors propagation of orthomyxoviruses, and paramyxoviruses. Inoculation via the yolk sac favors replication of herpes viruses, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, and bacteria.

Embryonated hen's eggs inoculated via the allantoic cavity (first passage) are incubated for three days and the embryos are observed for viability. Allantoic fluids from this first passage are harvested (including fluids from dead eggs) for a hemagglutination assay (to quantify viral particles) or for sub-passage into a fresh set of eggs. The second passage eggs follow the same time course, at the end of which the allantoic fluids are harvested for a hemagglutination assay and an examination of the embryos.

Eggs inoculated via the yolk sac (first passage) are incubated for nine days and are observed for viability. After the 9-day incubation, all embryos are harvested and examined. All first passage yolk sacs are harvested, washed, and pooled; second passage eggs are inoculated with a preparation of this material. Second passage eggs, along with the negative control, are incubated for 9 days and are candled each working day for viability. After the 9 day incubation all embryos are harvested and examined.

The hemagglutination assay uses chicken, guinea pig, and human type-O erythrocytes. Replicate plates are observed after incubation for hemagglutination.

A negative control is prepared for each set in the study group with an inoculation of Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium and processed and analyzed in the same manner as the study group. A test article is considered negative for adventitious agents if: 1) at least 80% of adult and suckling mice (first and second passage) survive the test period in good health; 2) at least 80% of inoculated hen embryos survive the test period and are normal in appearance; and 3) the fluids collected from inoculated embryos do not produce hemagglutination.

In Vitro Test for Detection of Adventitious Viruses.

The in vitro viral test is designed to detect various viruses, including picornaviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and reoviruses. Test article is incubated with three indicator cell lines (MRC-5, a human embryonic cell line; VERO, a simian kidney cell line; Hs68, a human foreskin cell line). The inoculated cultures are examined for at least 28 days and compared to positive controls for the development of cell morphology characteristic of viral contamination. Picornaviruses, herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and reoviruses can be detected by changes in morphology directly. However, orthomyxo- and paramyxo-viruses may replicate in these cell lines with little or no cytopathic manifestation. The presence of these viruses is detected by the ability to adsorb erythrocytes to the surface of infected cells (hemadsorption assay) which is performed at the conclusion of the observation period.

HTLV I & II.

Testing for human T-cell lymphotropic viruses I and II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II) is designed to detect the presence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 proviral DNA tax gene sequences in test article. The assay limit of detection is 10-100 infected cell equivalents of HTLV I or HTLV II DNA. The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a conserved region of the viral genome containing the tax/rex locus (the tax and rex loci encode proteins essential for viral replication). The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

HBV.

The human hepatitis B virus (HBV) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of HBV DNA sequences, down to 10-100 copies of HBV viral DNA in the test article. The test method is based upon PCR amplification of the S region of the HBV genome, yielding a 194 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

CMV.

The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of CMV DNA sequences (as few as 10-100 DNA copies) in the test article. The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome containing a highly conserved Hind III-X fragment, yielding a 311 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

EBV.

The human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of EBV gene sequences (as few as 10-100 EBV DNA copies) in the test article. The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the EBV major capsid protein (MCP) gene, yielding a 212 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

HHV-6 Variant A (HHV-6A) and Variant B (HHV-6B).

The assay for human herpesvirus 6, variant A (HHV-6A) and variant B (HHV-6B) is a limit test designed to detect the presence of HHV-6A and HHV-6B DNA sequences in the test article (as few as 10-100 copies of HHV-6A and 6B DNA). The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome encompassing the U65-U66 genes, yielding a 196 bp amplification product. The primers were derived from HHV-6A but also amplify an identical sequence in HHV-6B. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

HIV-1.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of HIV-1 gag region DNA sequences in the test article (as few as 10-100 HIV-1 DNA copies). The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome encompassing the gag locus, yielding a 140 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

HIV-2.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of HIV-2 gag region DNA sequences in the test article (as few as 50-500 infected cell equivalents of HIV-2 viral DNA). The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome, encompassing the gag locus, yielding a 196 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to the number of infected cell equivalents. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection. This test is governed by an OTI-approved protocol executed by an external testing laboratory.

Parvovirus B-19.

The parvovirus B-19 assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of parvovirus B-19 VP1 region DNA sequences in the test article (as few as 10-100 B-19 viral DNA copies). The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome, within the VP1 gene, yielding a 208 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral DNA copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

HCV.

The human hepatitis C virus (HCV) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of HCV RNA sequences in the test article (as few as 1-10 HCV virus genomes). The test method is based upon reverse transcriptase-mediated synthesis of DNA complementary to viral RNA present in the test article, followed by PCR amplification of the highly conserved 5′ untranslated region of the HCV genome, yielding a 297 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected through use of a FITC-labeled donor probe and an LC640-labeled acceptor probe to provide a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral copy number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest copy number detected above background).

HPV Type 18.

This is a new assay implemented post Q4 2006 to replace the HPV assay. The human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV 18) assay is a limit test designed to detect viral DNA in the test article (as few as 1-10 copies/infected cell equivalent (ICE)/plaque-forming unit (Pfu). The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome, within the E6/E7 region, yielding a 208 bp amplification product. The specific amplicon is detected using a quantitative, real-time, sequence-specific analysis using a Roche LightCycler™. The presence of amplified HPV target DNA is confirmed by DNA probe specific hybridisation with a fluorescence-labeled HPV oligonucleotide probe that identifies an internal sequence of 208 bp Amplicon. The fluorescence is detected and correlates to viral particle number. A negative result is defined as a fluorescence signal below the limit of detection (lowest viral particle number detected above background).

HHV-8.

The human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) assay is a limit test designed to detect the presence of HHV-8 IE1A gene DNA sequences (10-100 infected cell equivalents of HHV-8 DNA) in test article. The test method is based upon PCR amplification of a region of the viral genome, encompassing the IE1A gene, yielding a 264 bp amplification product. Amplified reaction products are then fractionated on an agarose gel, blotted by the Southern method onto a DNA binding membrane, and probed with a radiolabeled oligonucleotide homologous to a DNA sequence embedded within the 264 bp-amplified product. Amplicon-specific radioactivity is measured by autoradiography.

Example 39 Aseptic Processing

Certain steps occurred throughout the manufacturing process to control the environment. To reduce potential contamination, the Terumo® Sterile Tubing Welder and the Sebra® MINI™ Hand Held Tube Sealer were utilized to permit closed processing. Steps that used the welder and sealer included: transfer of BMA and fluids, sampling, seeding of CFs, feeds, passages, harvest, formulation, fill and cryopreservation. All welds and seals were visually inspected for integrity. If the integrity of a seal or weld has been breached (exposed to air), then the affected portion of the material will be discarded.

Example 40 Control of Tube Welding for Aseptic Processing

In all processing steps, tube to tube welding (cell factories (CFs), solution bags and cryopreservative (e.g., Cryocyte™) freezing containers) was surprisingly useful to implement controls to reduce potential contamination. All welding of tubing was performed using the Terumo® Sterile Tubing Welder. This welder has been designed for use in the storage and handling of blood products. The system automatically connects in a sterile manner two sections of tubing. The welds were visually inspected to ensure integrity by rotating the tubing 360° to determine if the outer diameters of the two tubes were aligned at the connection (weld). If the welds were determined to be breached (exposed to air), then the affected portion of material was discarded. If properly aligned, each weld was opened by pinching or rolling the tubing until the fluid pathway opens. Process steps that are surprisingly enhanced by welding include, for example, transfer of BMA and fluids, sampling, seeding of CFs, feeds, passages, harvest, formulation and fill.

Example 41 Control of Tube Seals for Aseptic Processing

Processing steps that require tubing to be sealed or severed utilized the Sebra® MINI™ Hand Held Tube Sealer. The tube sealer is an instrument for making seals on tubing made of Radio Frequency (RF)-reactive thermoplastic materials used in blood banks, blood processing facilities and transfusion centers. The sealer is an instrument that generates a controlled amount of RF energy at the sealing head while mechanically compressing the tubing across its diameter during the dielectric sealing and forming process. When the energy is removed and the tubing is allowed to cool under compression, a permanent seal is produced. During processing, the seals were inspected visually for integrity. If a seal was determined to be breached (exposed to air), that portion of material was discarded. Process steps that are surprisingly enhanced by seals include transfer of BMA and fluids, sampling, seeding of CFs, feeds, passages, harvest, formulation, fill and cryopreservation.

Example 42 Therapeutic Efficacy of Clinical Scale Preparations

A clinical scale preparation was prepared as detailed in Example 1 through Example 26. The preparation was partitioned into therapeutic doses and administered to pediatric aGVHD patients.

Eight biweekly therapeutic doses of 2×10⁶ cells/kg were administered by infusion to 59 children with steroid (and other therapeutic agent)-refractory Grade B-D aGVHD. An additional 4 weekly infusions were administered after day 28 in patients who had a response.

At baseline, the distribution of aGVHD grades B:C:D was 6 (10%): 20 (33%): 33 (57%). The median duration of aGVHD before enrollment was 29 days, and patients failed an average of 3.2 lines of treatment for GVHD. Organ involvement was 60% skin, 87% gastrointestinal, and 38% liver. At day 28, overall response (OR), defined as organ improvement of at least one stage without worsening in any other, was 64%; 17% of patients had stable disease or mixed response; and 19% experienced progression. By grade, 28 day OR was 67% for B, 75% for C, and 58% for D. Response by organ was recorded, with 47% of skin, 23% of GI, and 39% of liver GVHD completely responding (stage 0) within the first 28 days of treatment.

Overall survival through study duration (day 100) was 62%. Achieving an OR at day 28 resulted in a significantly higher probability of survival when compared to patients who progressed within the first 28 days (76% vs 9%, p<0.05). The MSCs were well tolerated and there was no evidence of ectopic tissue formation.

These results demonstrate that preparations of the present invention are surprisingly therapeutically effective, even when expanded on a large (clinical) scale.

Example 43 Therapeutic Efficacy of Clinical Scale Preparations

Pediatric patients (<18 years) with grade B-D SR-GVHD were randomized to receive MSCs from a clinical scale preparation produced by the method detailed in Example 1 through Example 26 or placebo, in addition to standard of care, including institutionally selected second line agent. Patients received 8 therapeutic doses of 2×10⁶ cells/kg for 4 weeks (or volume equivalent for placebo), with 4 more infusions weekly in patients who had a response. The primary endpoint was durable complete response (CR>28 days); secondary endpoints included incidence of CR, overall response (OR=CR+PR), progression through 100 days, and survival.

Twenty-eight children were randomized to MSC treatment (50% male, 79% Caucasian) or placebo (71% male, 71% Caucasian), with a median age of 7 years (range 1-15) and 10 years (range 1-18), respectively. The dominant transplant graft was cord blood (71% MSC, 57% placebo), with mostly unrelated donors (93% vs 79%, respectively). The median duration of aGVHD prior to enrollment was 20 days for MSC treatment and 8 days for placebo (p<0.05). At baseline, aGVHD grades B:C:D were 3:8:3 for both arms. For MSC treatment, organ involvement was 64% skin, 43% GI, and 36% liver. For placebo patients, organ involvement was 57% skin, 79% GI, and 29% liver. Durable CR was 64% for MSC treatment and 43% for placebo. CR for MSC treatment vs placebo, respectively, was 36% vs 21% at day 28, 57% vs 21% at day 42, and 64% vs 29% at day 100. OR for MSC treatment vs placebo, respectively, was 64% vs 34% at day 28, 64% vs 50% at day 42, and 71% vs 50% at day 100. Progression for MSC treatment vs placebo, respectively, was 14% vs 50% at day 28, 29% vs 43% at day 42, and 21% vs 43% at day 100.

Survival for MSC treatment vs placebo, respectively, was 93% vs 86% at day 28, 79% vs 79% at day 42, and 79% vs 50% at day 100. The median time to CR was 25 days vs 63 days. The 25% percentile of the survival function after study start was 139 days for MSC treatment and 50 days for placebo.

These results demonstrate that preparations of the present invention are surprisingly therapeutically effective, even when expanded on a large (clinical) scale.

Example 44 Therapeutic Efficacy of Clinical Scale Preparations

244 patients with grade B-D SR-GVHD (skin involvement n=144, GI involvement n=179, liver involvement n=61) were randomized to receive MSCs from a clinical scale preparation produced by the method detailed in Example 1 through Example 26 (n=163) or placebo (n=81), in addition to standard of care, including institutionally selected second line agent. Patients received 8 therapeutic doses of 2×10⁶ cells/kg for 4 weeks (or volume equivalent for placebo), with 4 more infusions weekly in patients who responded. The primary endpoint was durable complete response (CR>28 days).

For the MSC treatment and placebo arms, respectively, the grades of GVHD at entry were B (22% vs. 26%), C (51% vs. 58%), and D (27% vs 16%). The respective durable CR rates were 35% vs. 30% (p=0.3) in the ITT population and 40% vs. 28% (p=0.08) in the per protocol population. Patients with GVHD affecting all 3 organs had an overall complete or partial response rate of 63% vs. 0% (n=22, p<0.05) at day 28. Patients treated with MSCs had less progression of liver GVHD at weeks 2 and 4 respectively (32% vs 59%, p=0.05; and 37% vs. 65%, p=0.05).

The overall response (OR) results at day 100 were 82% in the MSC-treated group and 73% in the placebo group.

The partial response results at day 100 for the MSC-treated group and placebo group, respectively, were: Skin, 78% and 77%; Liver, 76% and 47%; Gut, 82% and 68%.

These results demonstrate that preparations of the present invention are surprisingly therapeutically effective, even when expanded on a large (clinical) scale.

Example 45 Therapeutic Efficacy of Clinical Scale Preparations

Patients with grades II-IV GVHD were randomized to receive human MSCs derived from a clinical scale preparation produced by the method detailed in Example 1 through Example 26 in 2 therapeutic doses of either 2 or 8 million MSCs/kg in combination with corticosteroids. The study evaluated induction of response to MSC therapy, and overall response of aGVHD by day 28. Thirty-one patients were evaluated: 21 males, 10 females; median age 52 years (range: 34-67). Twenty-one patients had grade II, 8 had grade III, and 3 had grade IV aGVHD. Ninety-four percent of patients had an initial response to MSC therapy (77% complete response and 16% partial response).

These results demonstrate that preparations of the present invention are surprisingly therapeutically effective, even when expanded on a large (clinical) scale.

Example 46 Variant Preparations

Using the methodologies generally set forth in Example 1-Example 41, a manufacturing facility produced multiple preparations of MSCs. Of the 27 independent preparations manufactured that were fully analyzed (until a failure was identified), labeled according to the manufacturing protocol, and successfully passed sterility and visual appearance tests, 14 preparations met the following criteria:

CD 166+: ≧95% CD 105+ ≧95% CD 45− ≧99.25%   Post-thaw viability: ≧75% Residual BSA ≧10 μg/ml Residual Trypsin ≦30 μg/ml TNFRI 108-368 pg/ml IL2-Ra ≧30% inhibition

Of the 13 that failed to meet one or more criteria, 8 failed to demonstrate potency based upon the IL-2Ra test, 4 failed to demonstrate potency based upon TNF R1 expression, and 2 had excess residual trypsin levels. One of the preparations failed the TNFRI assay also failed the IL-2Ra assay.

These results demonstrate that MSC preparations can show heterogeneity, even when standardized procedures are followed. Thus, the skilled artisan should now recognize that MSC preparations in the art that appear equivalent based one or even several criteria may, in fact, have important phenotypic or genotypic differences between them and may not demonstrate the potency that characterizes the MSC preparations of the present invention. Moreover, the MSC preparations of the present invention can be distinguished from many of the preparations in the prior art upon complete characterization as taught here.

Example 47 Variant Preparations

At another manufacturing facility (i.e. different facility than in Example 46), the methodologies set forth in Example 1-Example 41 were generally followed. Greater than 95% of the lots met the criteria of Example 46. However, one preparation failed post-thaw viability test and the TNFRI assay for potency. Another preparation failed the residual trypsin analysis, having a value of 38.1 μg/mL. These results demonstrate the importance of adding a screening step to the manufacturing methods, even when highly reproducible techniques have been achieved.

The citations provided herein are hereby incorporated by reference for the cited subject matter.

The presently described technology is now described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, to practice the same. It is to be understood that the foregoing describes preferred embodiments of the technology and that modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making an MSC preparation which inhibits IL2Ra expression by CD3/CD28 activated PBMCs, comprising the steps of: a. making a plurality of preparations, each preparation made by the steps comprising: i. obtaining from a single donor at least about 70 ml of non-fetal human bone marrow aspirate containing viable cells; ii. expanding by passage expansion the number of viable cells to provide a preparation of at least about 1 billion of the viable cells, wherein the passage expansion comprises establishing a primary culture of isolated MSCs and then serially establishing a first non-primary (P1) culture of isolated MSCs from the previous culture; iii. expanding by passage expansion the P1 culture of isolated MSCs to a second non-primary (P2) culture of MSCs; iv. preparing and cryopreserving an in-process intermediate MSC preparation from the P2 culture of MSCs; and v. thawing the cryopreserved in-process intermediate MSC preparation and expanding by passage expansion the in-process intermediate MSC preparation; and b. selecting from the plurality of preparations at least one preparation that has an antigen profile and an activity profile comprising: i. less than about 0.75% CD45±cells; ii. at least about 95% CD105+ cells; iii. at least about 95% CD166+ cells; and iv. capable of inhibiting IL2Ra expression by CD3/CD28-activated PBMCs by at least about 30% relative to a control; and wherein the step of selecting comprises testing the at least one preparation to determine the percent CD45+ cells, the percent CD155+ cells, the percent CD166+ cells, and the percent inhibition of IL2Ra expression by CD3/CD28-activated PBMCs.
 2. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 1, wherein the step of expanding comprises expanding the number of cells by at least about 20 population doublings.
 3. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 2, wherein the step of expanding comprises expanding the number of cells by less than about 30 population doublings.
 4. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 2, wherein the step of expanding comprises producing a preparation of at least about 20 billion cells.
 5. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 1, further comprising a step of cryogenically preserving the selected preparation, optional′ wherein at least about 70% of the MSCs are viable after thawing.
 6. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 1, wherein the step of establishing a primary culture of isolated MSCs comprises: a. isolating an MSC-containing population from the bone marrow aspirate, optionally wherein the MSC-containing population is a population of isolated nucleated bone marrow cells (INBMCs); b. seeding the MSC-containing population on a substrate at a concentration in a range of about 50 to about 1000 cells per cm² or 146±about 100 cells per cm²; and c. culturing the MSC-containing population for a period of time.
 7. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 1, wherein the step of serially establishing at least a first non-primary (P1) culture of isolated MSCs from the previous culture comprises: a. seeding isolated MSCs from the previously established culture on a substrate in a range of about 1,000 to about 10,000 cells per cm² or at about 5,900±about 20% cells per cm²; and then b. culturing the isolated MSCs for a period of time.
 8. The method of making an MSC preparation of claim 1, wherein the step of serially establishing at least a first non-primary (P1) culture of isolated MSCs from the previous culture comprises: a. splitting the previous culture at a ratio of about 1:4 to about 1:8 into a plurality of cultures; b. culturing the plurality of cultures for a period of time; and then c. optionally, pooling the plurality of cultures.
 9. A mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) preparation made according to the method of claim
 1. 10. The MSC preparation of claim 9, wherein the at least about 1 billion human bone marrow-derived MSCs are isogenic.
 11. The MSC preparation of claim 10, wherein the MSC preparation comprises at least about 20 billion human hone marrow-derived MSCs in number.
 12. The MSC preparation of claim 9, wherein the MSCs express at least about 13 pg to about 44 pg TNFRI per million MSCs and wherein the MSCs, when mixed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at a ratio of about 5 PBMCs per MSC, are capable of inhibiting IL2Ra expression by CD3/CD28-activated PBMCs cells by at least about 30%, relative to a control.
 13. The MSC preparation of claim 12, wherein the MSCs are isogenic and are at least 4.5×10⁹ human bone marrow-derived MSCs in number.
 14. The MSC preparation of claim 13, further comprising a cryopreservative.
 15. The MSC preparation of claim 14, wherein after a freeze-thaw cycle, at least about 70% of the MCSs are viable, as assessed by dye exclusion.
 16. The MSC preparation of claim 13, wherein the MSCs: a. are capable of at least 1 population doubling; and b. retain said antigen profile after the population doubling.
 17. The MSC preparation of claim 13, wherein the MSCs: are capable of at least 1 population doubling; and maintain a differentiation capacity after the population doubling.
 18. The MSC preparation of claim 9, wherein the preparation contains less than 55 μg/ml BSA and less than 42 μg/ml trypsin.
 19. The MSC preparation of claim 9, wherein the preparation is substantially free of: a. mycoplasma, endotoxin, and fungi; and viral nucleic acids, wherein viral nucleic acids comprise HTL V1, HTL V2, HBV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6A, HHV-6B, HHV-8, HIV, Parvovirus B-19, HCV, and HPV Type 18 nucleic acids. 